Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Grapplers Set to Open Season
November 11, 2004 | Cowboy Wrestling
Oklahoma State has opened the season against Chattanooga in each of the last three years. The Cowboys defeated the Mocs 29-9 last season. UTC will bring a familiar look to the mat this season as all 10 starters return from a team that finished 29th at the NCAA Championships.
Chattanooga boasts as many as five ranked wrestlers in the lineup, and will pose a stiff challenge for the Cowboys. The Mocs are led by 125-pounder Matt Pitts. Pitts is ranked No. 9 and will face the Cowboys' Derek Stevens.
The dual against Tennessee-Chattanooga will also be a milestone for head coach John Smith. Coach Smith will attempt to win his 200th dual in his coaching career.
OSU has only met Boise State one other time in the program's history. The Cowboys defeated the Broncos 40-5 during the 1988-89 season.
Sixth-ranked Scott Jorgenson will lead the Broncos. Jorgenson won the Pac-10 in the 133-pound weight class, and won three matches in the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated.
The Cowboys enter the 2004-05 season trying to win three consecutive national titles for the first time since 1954-56. OSU will have four new faces in the lineup this season. Clay Kehrer will get the start at 184 after winning his match in the Orange-Black dual. Steve Mocco will also make his highly anticipated debut at heavyweight.
Oklahoma State will not return home until they face Michigan State on Jan. 6.
