Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Wrestling 2015-16 Dual Season Recap
March 02, 2016 | Cowboy Wrestling
The Cowboy wrestling team entered its 2015-16 season with high expectations and a loaded lineup.
Along with a solid group of new faces, a two-time NCAA champion, four other All-Americans and seven Big 12 champions returned to the Cowboy lineup.
Facing one of the toughest schedules in college wrestling, the Cowboys managed to protect their decorated legacy.
"We wrestled all four of the top teams in dual meets, and I can't remember a time where we've done that," coach John Smith said.
The season opened with a nail-biting dual against long-time rival, Iowa. Two of the best programs in the country battled it out outdoors in Kinnick Stadium surrounded by 42,287 spectators, shattering the NCAA attendance record of 15,996, which was set by Penn State in 2013.
After getting edged out by Iowa, 18-16, the Cowboys stormed back with a notable win over Minnesota. Winning five matches each, it was the Cowboys' two bonus-point wins that gave them their first win over the Gophers since 2012.
The Pokes suffered a second loss in early-December, falling to No. 13 North Carolina State, 19-15. After the shocking upset, things turned around.
"I think chemistry-wise, certain guys in the lineup created some excitement that was much needed," Coach Smith said. "They get excited when they see their teammates compete, and I think we saw that change after NC State."
Even with a challenging schedule and coping with injuries, the OSU Cowboys rattled off 11-straight wins to compile a 13-3 overall dual season record.
The impressive finish earned the Cowboys a spot in the NWCA National Duals finals, where they faced No. 1 Penn State in front of a raucous crowd at Rec Hall. Plagued by injuries and a depleted lineup, the Cowboys suffered their third loss of the season to the Nittany Lions, 29-18, in their dual finale.
OSU finished 6-0 in conference play, taking down in-state rival Oklahoma twice, No. 24 West Virginia, No. 16 Iowa State and newest Big 12 affiliates, South Dakota State and Wyoming.
Defending national champion and senior, Alex Dieringer, remains undefeated, 25-0, notching his final dual season as a Cowboy wrestler with a career 63-2 dual record.
While the Oklahoma State Cowboy wrestling squad's resilient dual season comes to an end, their journey to the NCAA Championships is just beginning as the Pokes head to Kansas City, Mo., on March 5 for the Big 12 Championships.
"Through all the challenges our team was faced with throughout the regular season, I'm proud to know that we were wrestling for the championship because I can't remember any other year that that would be possible," Coach Smith said. "That says two things about your team. One, they're pretty tough and two, we have a group of guys who are committed to striving for excellence."
Along with a solid group of new faces, a two-time NCAA champion, four other All-Americans and seven Big 12 champions returned to the Cowboy lineup.
Facing one of the toughest schedules in college wrestling, the Cowboys managed to protect their decorated legacy.
"We wrestled all four of the top teams in dual meets, and I can't remember a time where we've done that," coach John Smith said.
The season opened with a nail-biting dual against long-time rival, Iowa. Two of the best programs in the country battled it out outdoors in Kinnick Stadium surrounded by 42,287 spectators, shattering the NCAA attendance record of 15,996, which was set by Penn State in 2013.
After getting edged out by Iowa, 18-16, the Cowboys stormed back with a notable win over Minnesota. Winning five matches each, it was the Cowboys' two bonus-point wins that gave them their first win over the Gophers since 2012.
The Pokes suffered a second loss in early-December, falling to No. 13 North Carolina State, 19-15. After the shocking upset, things turned around.
"I think chemistry-wise, certain guys in the lineup created some excitement that was much needed," Coach Smith said. "They get excited when they see their teammates compete, and I think we saw that change after NC State."
Even with a challenging schedule and coping with injuries, the OSU Cowboys rattled off 11-straight wins to compile a 13-3 overall dual season record.
The impressive finish earned the Cowboys a spot in the NWCA National Duals finals, where they faced No. 1 Penn State in front of a raucous crowd at Rec Hall. Plagued by injuries and a depleted lineup, the Cowboys suffered their third loss of the season to the Nittany Lions, 29-18, in their dual finale.
OSU finished 6-0 in conference play, taking down in-state rival Oklahoma twice, No. 24 West Virginia, No. 16 Iowa State and newest Big 12 affiliates, South Dakota State and Wyoming.
Defending national champion and senior, Alex Dieringer, remains undefeated, 25-0, notching his final dual season as a Cowboy wrestler with a career 63-2 dual record.
While the Oklahoma State Cowboy wrestling squad's resilient dual season comes to an end, their journey to the NCAA Championships is just beginning as the Pokes head to Kansas City, Mo., on March 5 for the Big 12 Championships.
"Through all the challenges our team was faced with throughout the regular season, I'm proud to know that we were wrestling for the championship because I can't remember any other year that that would be possible," Coach Smith said. "That says two things about your team. One, they're pretty tough and two, we have a group of guys who are committed to striving for excellence."
Players Mentioned
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