Oklahoma State University Athletics
Moore's Dreams Have Become Reality
June 21, 1999 | Cowboy Wrestling
February 19, 1999
When he was growing up in Pennsylvania, Teague Moore dreamed of being a national champion wrestler, just like his heroes John Smith and Kenny Monday. What he never dreamed of was having the opportunity to wrestle in the NCAA championship in front of his home fans.
"I started wrestling practically out of the womb. I have four older brothers, so I was thrown into the mix at a young age," Moore said.
"My dad influenced me the most. He made sure that I did what I needed to do so that I would be successful in wrestling. He gave me every opportunity in the world to be at a place like this doing what I'm doing."
While Moore's father played an important part in his wrestling career, his heroes were a big part of his decision to come to Oklahoma State.
"I mainly came to OSU because of the tradition and history related with the wrestling team. There is not only a good national tradition with the national championships, but also internationally as well with the Olympics. I wanted to be a part of all that," Moore said.
Four years later, Moore has become a part of the wrestling tradition by winning the Big 12 Championship twice and winning the NCAA Championship last year at 118 pounds. On Sunday, he will wrestle in his last dual in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
"I feel good about it, knowing that it's finally wrapping up. The four years went fast, but I'm looking forward to international wrestling," Moore said. "I've waited for this day, and I'm happy that it's coming up."
Moore began his wrestling career at Oklahoma State by posting a 30-14 record his freshman season, including titles at the St. Louis Freshman-Sophomore Open and the Sunshine Open. He finished the season ranked 11th in the nation.
In his sophomore season, Moore went a perfect 18-0 in dual action and 29-3 overall. He placed fourth at the national tournament, and was named to the Academic All-Big 12 team. Moore also defeated Oklahoma's Shane Valdez to win his first Big 12 title.
His junior year, Moore defeated top-seeded David Morgan of Michigan State in the finals of the national tournament to win his first NCAA title. He posted a 21-4 record and was 13-3 in dual matches. He also won his second straight Big 12 title.
This year, Moore won 20 straight matches to start the season, and was picked by fans in a recent Intermat poll to win the national championship. He recorded three straight falls in the Reno Duals and was named the Outstanding Wrestler in the event. This weekend, Moore will be looking to increase his record to 21-2 as the Cowboys face Iowa on Sunday.
"We're going to have to buck up and get ready," Moore said. "It's time to get set and get motivated. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to wrestle Iowa in my last dual at Oklahoma State. It feels good that the time has arrived."
Moore is also looking past this Sunday's dual to the NCAA Championships in his home state of Pennsylvania.
"I'm looking forward to it. I'll be going back home and representing Pennsylvania as well as representing Oklahoma State," Moore said. "It's a good feeling. I'm going to wrestle the best that I can for all of the people that are going to be there."
Not only will Moore be in the hunt for his second individual title, he will also be looking for Oklahoma State's 31st team title.
"The title has gotten away from us in the past two years. This year, the team is hungry to get it. It has just slipped out of our fingertips at the last minute in the past two years," Moore said. "We know what to do as a team this year. If everyone wrestles their best, the team title will come in time. The trophy will take care of itself."
Oklahoma State will battle Iowa this Sunday at 3 p.m. in Gallagher-Iba Arena.
By
Blythe McCarty
