Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Wrestlers Share Thoughts on Bedlam
February 01, 2016 | Cowboy Wrestling
STILLWATER– With the Bedlam wrestling dual right around the corner, four of Cowboy starters, al share what the Bedlam rivalry means to them.
Gary Wayne Harding, 133 pounds
On what Bedlam means to him
"It's a big match for the team and for myself. Everyone around Oklahoma and a lot of other places will be watching and tuning in, so it's critical we do our best. I'm going to go out there and leave it all out on the mat."
On his connection to the rivalry
"I have zero connection to OU besides growing up watching Bedlam as a kid. Because of that, I know the significance of the rivalry."
Joe Smith, 157 pounds
On what Bedlam means to him
"It means a lot. There's a lot of emotion and effort that goes into it because it is such an important hometown rivalry."
On how he feels wrestling in his first Bedlam match
"I've watched all my cousins wrestle in Bedlam, and now it's my turn to wrestle in it. It will be much different than watching it on TV. There's much more emotion that goes into it, you pour everything into it because you feel the positive energy from the support of the community around you."
Kyle Crutchmer, 174 pounds
On what Bedlam means to him
"Well it's a rivalry, and it's exciting. Being from Oklahoma I've been to a good amount of them, and it's a crazy atmosphere. It means a lot because my grandpa played football at OU, so I have that connection to it. I grew up an OU fan, so it's crazy being in an orange singlet versus crimson."
On him growing up wanting to go to OU
"Ironically, I originally wanted to go to OU, but when John Smith walked into my house, I was star struck, and from that point forward I saw myself in orange."
Nolan Boyd, 184 pounds
On what Bedlam means to him
"Wrestling is all about staying consistent, but there's something about Bedlam that just gets you even more excited. Your family, the fans and the wrestling team are there and it gets loud."
On his favorite Bedlam moment
"It would definitely have to be our meeting with them earlier this year and Kaid Brock came out and lit a fire within our whole team and we just crushed OU."
The No. 4 Pokes (8-2, 5-0) take on the Oklahoma Sooners in Gallagher-Iba Arena on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. For tickets, call the OSU ticket office at 877-ALL-4-OSU (877-255-4678) or online at www.okstate.com/tickets.
Players Mentioned
