OKLAHOMA CITY - It was a dream come true for J'Den Cox.
The Missouri freshman capped off the wrestling season Saturday night with an NCAA title, defeating Nick Heflin of Ohio State 2-1 to take top honors at 197 pounds.
"I didn't just imagine it, I dreamed it," Cox said. "This is a dream of mine. It's something I put all of my heart and work to and I always tell people there's no point ... I see it this way, there's no point to do something if you're not going to push yourself to try to do it to the best of your ability."
Cox, a graduate of Hickman High School, is the fourth Missouri wrestler to win a national title. He joins Ben Askren, Max Askren and Mark Ellis.
"It feels amazing. I've worked so hard," Cox said. "I was telling all these guys, losing here means I've got to push the restart button again. I didn't feel like doing that at all in this tournament, and came through all the training. Everything I've gone through this summer, morning practices, two-a-days, everything, it's come down to this, winning the gold."
Cox was the No. 2 seed at his weight behind Heflin, a senior. After a scoreless first period, Cox got an early escape in the second to take a 1-0 lead. Heflin got an escape in the third period to tie it, but was hit with his second stall call later and the penalty point gave Cox a 2-1 lead and eventually the title.
Heflin almost got a takedown to win it as time expired, but an instant-replay review showed it came after the final whistle.
In his five matches at the tournament, Cox did not allow a takedown.
"I'm so happy for him," Missouri head coach Brian Smith said. "He's an amazing athlete and such a student of the sport. He's an amazing kid."
Cox finished 38-2 on the season.
Drake Houdashelt finished fifth for Missouri at 149 pounds to earn All-America honors for the second time in his career.
Missouri finished 11th in the final team standings. Penn State claimed the national title, its fourth straight championship.