Oklahoma State University Athletics
Arneson Named 2015 Gallagher Award Recipient
February 12, 2015 | Cowboy Wrestling
STILLWATER—Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith has announced that Jay Arneson is the recipient of the 2015 Gallagher Award, presented by Oklahoma State wrestling. Arneson was a three-time All-American and 1971 NCAA runner up, wrestling for the Pokes from 1969-72.
The Gallagher Award is presented annually to an OSU alumnus who exemplifies the spirit and leadership eminent in the tradition of champions. Arneson will receive the award prior to the dual vs. Penn State on Feb. 15.
“Coach Arneson means so much to Oklahoma wrestling,” Smith said. “He's one of the greatest high school wrestling coaches. He's an Oklahoma boy and an OSU wrestler. His career really mimics the things that Coach Gallagher was all about. He was good to his student athletes. I'm very pleased to announce him as this year's Gallagher Award winner.”
During his time as a Cowboy, the three-time All-American put together a 59-27-5 overall record and was a part of the 1971 National Championship team.
Upon graduating from OSU, Arneson went on to coach at Owasso High School, where he led the Rams to a state title in 1978. He later moved to Yukon, Okla., where he coached the Millers for 24 years.
“This is a really special honor to me,” Arneson said. “Three of my previous coaches have all won the award: Charles Hetrick, Myron Roderick and Tommy Chesbro. It's an honor to be included with those who gave me wrestling knowledge and have inspired me to coach. The sport of wrestling means so much to me.”
Gallagher Award Recipients
1986 - Rex Peery
1987 - Frank Lewis
1988 - Myron Roderick
1989 - Tommy Chesbro
1990 - Joe McDaniel
1991 - John W. Divine
1996 - Ray Murphy
1997 - John Smith
1998 - Grady Peninger
1999 - Kenny Monday
2000 - Pat Smith
2001 - Kendall Cross
2002 - Mike Sheets
2003 - Doug Blubaugh
2004 - Grover Rains
2005 - Bobby Douglas
2006 - Charles Hetrick
2007 - Fred Davis
2008 - Lee Roy Smith
2009 - Bobby Stites
2010 - Bill Harlow
2011 - Eddie Griffin
2013 - Jim Shields
2014 - Mike Jones
2015 - Jay Arneson
