Oklahoma State University Athletics
Smith, Rosholt, Scott Talk About Upcoming Weekend
January 16, 2008 | Cowboy Wrestling
Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith along with wrestlers Jared Rosholt and Coleman Scott met with members of the media Wednesday in Gallagher-Iba Arena to preview this weekend's duals at No. 11 Missouri and vs. No. 3 Nebraska in the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. Following are some of the highlights of what the Cowboys said:
Head Coach John Smith
On wrestling No. 3 Nebraska at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City (a neutral site):
“I like the concept. I like doing things that are not routine. It seems that sometimes you get into a routine where by wrestling at the same place, your athletes get a little stale at times. So, it's good to have something different. It's what ESPN wanted. When wrestling gets a chance to be on TV, there isn't any question, we have to take advantage of it and do whatever they want. It gives a chance for people across the country to watch two good dual matches.”
On his team:
“We are a team who up to this point has probably outdone what I thought we could do. I think they have come around and they had a good Christmas holiday as far training and they have wrestled well. We made a commitment to try to be the best team in the country, and that's what you hope for.”
On the upcoming flurry of difficult opponents on OSU's schedule:
“The stretch that we have and the teams that we are wrestling will be one of the most competitive times that I can ever remember as a coach. The two dual meets this weekend followed by Iowa State, Minnesota and the Bedlam match down the road is a competitive schedule. We have four or five guys that are very consistent. Everybody is showing up in the room and appears to be with the right attitude at this time.”
On the importance of this weekend's duals:
“I think two big wins is going to do a lot for this team. I don't think either one of them are given. We have to travel up to Missouri and with the way they performed at the National Duals, I am sure they are going to come out a little tougher than what they showed there. Nebraska is way underrated. They are a top three team in dual meet competitions. We are going to have to fight hard this week, as hard as we have wrestled all year long. Anything less will be a disappointment. Hopefully we are going in the right direction.”
285-pounder Jared Rosholt
On his success so far this year:
“It's been a good season so far. I have just had a lot better attitude. After last year's results at the NCAA's, it really started a fire in me. I needed to get back here and get something done this year. So far, it is working out.”
On the evolution of a successful heavyweight:
“Being up 20 pounds from what I was last year has made a huge difference. I never would have thought that 20 pounds would have made that much of a difference. Being a smaller athlete, I have to outsmart people.”
133-pounder Coleman Scott
On the coming weekend:
“We have two good teams this weekend that we are going to be wrestling. We are ready to wrestle and everybody is coming together. Everybody is starting to wrestle better, and we are getting to where we want to be. We are getting better every week, and that is what we are focusing on right now.”
On facing Missouri after losing to the Tigers last year:
“That is something I have been thinking about. We definitely don't like losing to anybody in the Big 12 or anybody period. It's nice when you can get that payback. I think we are going to get that payback on Saturday. I think everybody's ready for that because we still kind of feel that little burn from that loss here.”
