2013 World Team TrialsJun 20, 2013 by Willie Saylor
Special Year For OK State At World Team Trials
Special Year For OK State At World Team Trials
Special Year For OK State At World Team Trials
Willie Saylor, Editor
USA Wrestling held a press conference today on the eve of the World Team Trials. And just like this weekend's brackets, the conference was full of Cowboys.
Inside Gallgher-Iba Arena, a wrestling mecca located adjecent to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, legendary Oklahoma State Wrestler/Coach John Smith led a panel of five that included former Cowboys Coleman Scott and Jordan Oliver.
Scott, a bronze medalist in London, and Oliver, who won a bronze in the 2009 Junior World Championships, lead a bevy of Cowboys that will vie for a World Team roster spot in their home venue.
Oklahoma State alumni dominated the field in Las Vegas in April at the U.S. Open. Scott (60KG) and Oliver (66KG) were two of the Cowboys' whopping five finalists that also included Champ Obe Blanc (55KG), Clayton Foster (84KG), and Chris Pendleton (96KG).
"It's special to have this event here," Coach Smith said. "You can see the history as soon as you walk in the building. We've had thirteen Olympic Champions dating all the way back to 1932. Way before me. The arena is even named after a wrestling leader."
Scott said that having the Trials in Gallagher-Iba is a dream come true. "I never thought I'd get to wrestle on that floor again."
Oliver echoed that feeling. "It's a benefit to me. It's really unbelievable."
Of course the question on everyone's mind was how the athletes feel about the new rules. And all the wrestlers were in agreement that they are for the best.
Top Greco wrestler Jordan Holm recalled the day he heard the news about the IOC panel's recommendation for the sport to be removed from the Olympics.
"Coach (Steve) Frasier said it might be good for wrestling, and I think he was right. We've responded proactively and respectfully, and I think the IOC has heard us. Now the new rules are in place and it makes for an exciting sport. I watched Oliver win that mach in L.A. and how can you not be excited about it?"
According to Scott, the new rules are embraced by the Cowboys. "We're scorers and we pride ourselves on technique. We don't like to go out there and try to steal periods. We want to score."
Known as one of the most diverse offensive wrestlers, Oliver agreed. "The new rules allow you to take more risks. All I needed to hear was that takedowns were now worth two points. We can let it fly now and put on a show."
And that's just what the entire Poke squad might do this weekend as Oklahoma State could have a historic weekend on their own turf.
Willie Saylor, Editor
USA Wrestling held a press conference today on the eve of the World Team Trials. And just like this weekend's brackets, the conference was full of Cowboys.
Inside Gallgher-Iba Arena, a wrestling mecca located adjecent to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, legendary Oklahoma State Wrestler/Coach John Smith led a panel of five that included former Cowboys Coleman Scott and Jordan Oliver.
Scott, a bronze medalist in London, and Oliver, who won a bronze in the 2009 Junior World Championships, lead a bevy of Cowboys that will vie for a World Team roster spot in their home venue.
Oklahoma State alumni dominated the field in Las Vegas in April at the U.S. Open. Scott (60KG) and Oliver (66KG) were two of the Cowboys' whopping five finalists that also included Champ Obe Blanc (55KG), Clayton Foster (84KG), and Chris Pendleton (96KG).
"It's special to have this event here," Coach Smith said. "You can see the history as soon as you walk in the building. We've had thirteen Olympic Champions dating all the way back to 1932. Way before me. The arena is even named after a wrestling leader."
Scott said that having the Trials in Gallagher-Iba is a dream come true. "I never thought I'd get to wrestle on that floor again."
Oliver echoed that feeling. "It's a benefit to me. It's really unbelievable."
Of course the question on everyone's mind was how the athletes feel about the new rules. And all the wrestlers were in agreement that they are for the best.
Top Greco wrestler Jordan Holm recalled the day he heard the news about the IOC panel's recommendation for the sport to be removed from the Olympics.
"Coach (Steve) Frasier said it might be good for wrestling, and I think he was right. We've responded proactively and respectfully, and I think the IOC has heard us. Now the new rules are in place and it makes for an exciting sport. I watched Oliver win that mach in L.A. and how can you not be excited about it?"
According to Scott, the new rules are embraced by the Cowboys. "We're scorers and we pride ourselves on technique. We don't like to go out there and try to steal periods. We want to score."
Known as one of the most diverse offensive wrestlers, Oliver agreed. "The new rules allow you to take more risks. All I needed to hear was that takedowns were now worth two points. We can let it fly now and put on a show."
And that's just what the entire Poke squad might do this weekend as Oklahoma State could have a historic weekend on their own turf.
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