Oklahoma State University Athletics
Coach Smith and Selected Wrestlers Speak at Winter Media Day
November 01, 2006 | Cowboy Wrestling
Head Coach John Smith
On what he expects in 2006-07
“Obviously, we know it is going to be an uphill battle as our theme this year is The Drive for Five. After winning the last four championships, it doesn't really matter what kind of team you have because you never want to settle for finishing in the top-10 or top-five and get a trophy. It is about trying to figure out how we can win it again. We understand as a team and staff, it is a uphill battle, but it is not something that is completely out there that you can't dream a little bit of each day to get there.”
On having a lineup that is supported by Oklahomans
“The one thing I really like about this particular team is that it is the first time in a while Oklahoma State has had five Oklahoma kids projected to start. The last several years, we have had one or maybe two. Actually Johny (Hendricks) was our lone Oklahoma native who started (last season). I think that is very motivating to the kids who wrestle in this state. A couple of our Oklahomans, including Tyler (Shinn), B.J. (Jackson), Newly (McSpadden), have all three came here and waited their turn. Being behind several guys who were national championships and All-Americans, it is going to be fun watching them get their chance. For our success, it is going to be determined on individuals like those three. As a staff, we have to develop them.”
On what needs to happen to have a successful season
“We have a lot of individuals on this team who don't have any credentials, as far as all-american or national champion status. As a staff, we have to develop that and finish where we want to at the end of the year. We don't have a lot of time to gain experience because we have to step in and win right away. I understand that we will need to be more patient this year because I am sure there will be some up and down performances throughout the season, whether it is individually or as a team. In the end, hopefully we can have our best performance.We are going to win or lose based on our work ethic. Our success is going to be based on what happens in the wrestling room over the next four months.”
On being the winningness coach in Oklahoma State history
“First, I feel blessed. A lot of good things have happened. I always go back to student-athletes because we recruit the right ones who have been focused academically and athletically. It is nice to see these student-athletes take pride in their program and our tradition. For me personally, I must say that it has been as enjoyable to see what our team has done than any individual goal I have accomplished, such as winning an Olympic Gold Medal. I wouldn't replace anything I am doing right now and the accomplishments we have been able to have in past several years with anything. It is an absolute thrill for my family and the program. I just don't want to stop yet. Getting to share that with our late coach Tommy Chesbro was important to me and him. He shared with me that evening (he passed away) how proud he was and how enjoyable it was watching me step in. He said I was one of his pupils, which made it more special for me.”
On Johny Hendricks
“He has been important to what we have accomplished in the past few years, along with several others. He enjoys wrestling and it reminds us coaches how the student-athletes feel about winning. We (coaches) tend to be, at times, robotic and don't show a lot emotion. For Johny, every match he enjoys what he does. Sometimes what he does bothers me, but I understand it is all in good nature and he loves to win. He loves to get excited on the mat, and there is no question as a junior last year having three-star seniors, I think he took over the leadership role somewhere in the middle of the season. He helped the team relax and taught us to enjoy everything we are doing.”
On Nathan Morgan and Coleman Scott
“This is Nathan (Morgan) and Coleman (Scott)'s third year at Oklahoma State and their third year to start. Unlike many of us, including myself, Johny Hendrix, Pat Smith and Mark Branch all had a redshirt year. These guys we had to throw in right away. There has been a lot of sacrifice on their part in helping us become the best.”
Johny Hendricks
On being a leader
“Since my freshman year in high school, I have been a leader because it has always been something I liked to do. I wanted to be the person anyone can count on and last year was not any different. Of course, I couldn't be a leader my first two seasons at OSU because we already had great leadership. Since I am a senior this year, I know I have to be a leader.”
Coleman Scott
On jumping weight classes
“Growing up, my dad never let me cut a pound. The first time I ever cut weight was in high school, so I grew up wrestling everyone who was bigger than me, which helped me out a lot.”
