STILLWATER — The appointment of Olympic champion David Taylor as the new head coach of Oklahoma State’s wrestling team has been met with widespread enthusiasm, as evidenced by the large turnout for his introduction this past Friday. The event saw so many supporters that numerous attendees were left standing, underscoring the excitement surrounding Taylor’s arrival.
Addressing the overflowing crowd, Taylor remarked, “Looking in here, I think there’s more here than at the world championships. So that just speaks volumes to what this program means to everybody.” This comparison highlighted the community’s dedication and passion for their wrestling program.
Despite the excitement around Taylor’s hire, it wasn’t always certain he would be the one to follow in the footsteps of John Smith. Smith subtly suggested at his final press conference that Coleman Scott’s role as an assistant last season was a factor in his retirement decision.
In the past few weeks, Scott, who held the title of Associate Head Coach under Smith, stepped in as interim coach, possibly while being considered for the head coaching position on a permanent basis. Scott, a former wrestler for the Cowboys, conveyed his gratitude and well wishes to the program via X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
“First, I want to say thank you to Oklahoma State University for allowing me the chance to return and coach this last year,” Scott stated. “It was an honor to do what I love in a place that felt like home.
… Best of luck to David Taylor and the new staff at OSU. It’s a special place deserving the best.
It has shaped who I am today. I will miss being a Cowboy.
The future for me and my family remains open, but I remain optimistic.”
Scott’s tenure as a wrestler at Oklahoma State boasted a national title in 2008. While coaching the North Carolina Tar Heels for eight years, he achieved a 75-49 record and helped the program reach milestones not seen since the late 1980s and mid-1990s.
Oklahoma State’s athletic director, Chad Weiberg, complimented Scott’s potential future in coaching, stating, “He’s still young with a long runway ahead. I’m confident he’ll continue to excel in coaching if he chooses to, with many interested in him. … We wish him nothing but the best.”
Weiberg, without naming names, mentioned the university had “several great options” when deciding on Taylor’s appointment. Since the announcement, there hasn’t been much direct communication between Smith and either Scott or former assistant coach Chris Perry.
Weiberg also addressed efforts to avoid placing Smith in awkward positions during the selection process, emphasizing input from other former Cowboy wrestlers.
“Many advised me to simply choose the best person for the job to keep us competitive for championships,” Weiberg said. This sentiment aligns with the broader community’s perspective that the program’s success transcends individual legacies.
As echoed by former wrestler Daton Fix, “It’s a good time to be a Cowboy. This decision will likely attract young wrestlers to the program. Despite any initial surprises, it remains crucial to support the team, as nobody is bigger than the program itself.”
This new chapter for Oklahoma State wrestling promises an exciting era full of potential, with the program aiming to continue its legacy of excellence under David Taylor’s leadership.