Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Wrestling Opens Practice
October 10, 2016 | Cowboy Wrestling
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State wrestling team held its first practice of the 2016-17 season Monday afternoon at Gallagher-Iba Arena. After practice, head coach John Smith gave some comments about the session.
Â
On the first practice of the season:
"It was a good day. It was fun. It was really enjoyable. We had a tough practice. I saw a few things that I didn't like and saw some things I did like. I think that's pretty normal for this time of year. I don't think there is any coach in any sport that is too pleased with what they see (this early), but I see a lot of hope and that gets me excited and motivated."
Â
On getting guys like Kyle Crutchmer and Kaid Brock back from injury after missing last season:
"They just need to get healthy and recognize that staying in position is so important in wrestling. They need to make sure they stay intense. Intensity is so important in practice just to stay healthy. As we know, wrestling is pretty physical and demanding. I think that's probably the case in any sport. Intensity always keeps you in good position. Those two guys just really need to stay focused on staying intense in practice."
Â
On how he's seen the newcomers adjust since arriving on campus:
"I don't see anything yet because I haven't really given them an opportunity to show me what they have. When you're working with eight hours a week and you're doing a lot of that in the weight room, you don't get a lot of time to see that. One thing with wrestling, the way I coach, is that the first of December you start figuring out who wants it and who is driving themselves, who's hungry. It gives you a little better idea of what you have. Hopefully on December 1, I'm looking at 16 or 17 people who are eligible to wrestle and we have a solid team with some depth."
Â
Â
On the first practice of the season:
"It was a good day. It was fun. It was really enjoyable. We had a tough practice. I saw a few things that I didn't like and saw some things I did like. I think that's pretty normal for this time of year. I don't think there is any coach in any sport that is too pleased with what they see (this early), but I see a lot of hope and that gets me excited and motivated."
Â
On getting guys like Kyle Crutchmer and Kaid Brock back from injury after missing last season:
"They just need to get healthy and recognize that staying in position is so important in wrestling. They need to make sure they stay intense. Intensity is so important in practice just to stay healthy. As we know, wrestling is pretty physical and demanding. I think that's probably the case in any sport. Intensity always keeps you in good position. Those two guys just really need to stay focused on staying intense in practice."
Â
On how he's seen the newcomers adjust since arriving on campus:
"I don't see anything yet because I haven't really given them an opportunity to show me what they have. When you're working with eight hours a week and you're doing a lot of that in the weight room, you don't get a lot of time to see that. One thing with wrestling, the way I coach, is that the first of December you start figuring out who wants it and who is driving themselves, who's hungry. It gives you a little better idea of what you have. Hopefully on December 1, I'm looking at 16 or 17 people who are eligible to wrestle and we have a solid team with some depth."
Â
Players Mentioned
/ Cowboy Wrestling
/ Cowboy Wrestling
Friday, June 05
Friday, May 29
Wednesday, May 27
Monday, May 18
