Oklahoma State University Athletics
Post-Dual Quotes: OSU vs. Oklahoma
February 11, 2018 | Cowboy Wrestling
Head Coach John Smith
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On Dean Heil's last dual in Gallagher-Iba Arena:
"I would've gotten emotional if he didn't wrestle well. It doesn't bother me. I like to see the guys wrestle their last match in Gallagher and wrestle it well. Great memories and no regrets. We've had some good fortune with our seniors as they exited Gallagher. I just respect that."
On what there is to improve on:Â
"The one thing that we really just need to focus on is a little bit more of a rhythm. It seems like we're a little choppy in our matches."
On Keegan Moore's performance:
"I looked over to (Chris) Perry and I said, 'I didn't even know he had a cradle. Where'd that come from?' When you're excited and you're ready to wrestle, things come back to you and that cradle came back to him."
On Derek White:
"It's going to get a lot tougher. This heavyweight class is tough. I think for Derek, it's a matter of focusing and preparing for the guys that are going to push you and test your limits. Some of them are weighing 280 pounds. It was good to see him excited about wrestling right now."
On Boo Lewallen:
"Especially in that first period, he just seemed real alert. He responded really well to a couple of scrambles, a couple of situations. I think it was a lot better for him. That's a tough weight and he's got to fundamentally recognize that there are certain things that he needs to make sure he continues to do, and get better at as we move through our last duel meet preparing for Big 12 competition."
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Dean Heil – 141 pounds, Sr.
On if his final performance in Gallgher-Iba Arena was emotional:
"Yeah, on Friday it hadn't hit me that these were my last two matches in Gallagher. After the match Friday, it started to sink in a little bit. It really sank in before today's dual. There was a lot of emotion. I'm done. That's it."
On his thoughts about getting a buzzer-beating takedown to win his match by a major decision:
"I really wanted to get some type of bonus points. I just have to keep pushing."
On his wave to the crowd after a victorious match:
"I was just saying 'goodbye' and 'thank you for supporting me.' I won't ever get the chance to do that again, unless they host the U.S. Trials here."
On if his season has been more mentally challenging than physically challenging:
"Yeah, without a doubt. I think every season is like that. It's like that for every wrestler at the college level."
Keegan Moore – 184 pounds, RFr.
On his first Bedlam experience:
"It was excited to get the fall. It's a great day to be a Cowboy."
On if he was still excited for Bedlam despite not being from Oklahoma:
"I know about all of the history. I had an uncle that played at OU and my Dad grew up around here, so I know all about Bedlam. It was cool for my first experience."
On his confidence level:
"I'm just working on stuff in the room and figuring out what's best for me."
On using a cradle to get a fall:
"I'm not going to lie, I don't even practice the cradle. I just know it. The last time I used it was in high school. It was there and I slipped into it pretty nice."
On Heil's meaning to the team:
"He's provided so much leadership for us. He's been there for me personally. He's been there to lift you up and lift your spirits."
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