Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: OSU Athletics
Smith, Plott Look Ahead to Season Opener
November 08, 2023 | Cowboy Wrestling
STILLWATER – Head coach John Smith and wrestler Dustin Plott met with the media Wednesday in Stillwater to preview Oklahoma State's season opener on Friday against Bucknell. Here are some of their comments:
Head Coach John Smith
On new associate head coach Coleman Scott:
"He's had a lot (of new) of things, it's good to see. You don't need to get a level of knowledge. We can see that (in Scott) that coached for nine years as a head coach; I see it. There's definitely a difference there, he has really made my job easier… Success is judged by placement and national successes for individuals, I felt the success he had was really impressive."
On Daton Fix:
"We're excited that he's back and he's moving along in his master's program. He leads by example. He's had a little more weight on his shoulders than I'd like to see in the last couple of years. We'll have some people come in, that way to offer the level of energy to get everyone fired up as well."
On what Izzak Olejnik brings:
"He's an All-American senior, representing us at the (NWCA All-Star Classic) coming up. Do your homework - he's a good kid. He's going to wrestle with tough guys, he's got a pretty good record right now. I think these guys just need to settle in and compete well for us as a Cowboy."
On Dustin Plott's experience at the U23 Worlds:
"There's no disadvantage in making a world team in wrestling. He went and didn't place; you know what that does for you? You come back and get excited about being better and for him, that is what I told him. I think what I've seen from him has been fun to watch."
184-Pounder Dustin Plott
On the team's attitude entering the season:
"Our team this year I'd say definitely has more of an edge to it than what I've experience since I've been here. A lot of the guys kind of have a chip on their shoulder. All great guys, but you can tell the attitude is different this year. Another big difference I'd say is our team chemistry has been really good this year. We're hanging out outside the room a lot and I feel like we're a lot closer as a group than what we have been in years past."
On bumping up to 184 pounds:
"There's a lot of different factors that led to it. So far, I'm just really enjoying it. I get to focus a lot more on getting better at wrestling and a lot less on having to cut weight - 'I need to do this to get weight off, I need to do this." (Now I'm thinking) more of these are areas I'm deficient in and need to get better in. So, I'm having a lot more focus on getting better at wrestling."
Head Coach John Smith
On new associate head coach Coleman Scott:
"He's had a lot (of new) of things, it's good to see. You don't need to get a level of knowledge. We can see that (in Scott) that coached for nine years as a head coach; I see it. There's definitely a difference there, he has really made my job easier… Success is judged by placement and national successes for individuals, I felt the success he had was really impressive."
On Daton Fix:
"We're excited that he's back and he's moving along in his master's program. He leads by example. He's had a little more weight on his shoulders than I'd like to see in the last couple of years. We'll have some people come in, that way to offer the level of energy to get everyone fired up as well."
On what Izzak Olejnik brings:
"He's an All-American senior, representing us at the (NWCA All-Star Classic) coming up. Do your homework - he's a good kid. He's going to wrestle with tough guys, he's got a pretty good record right now. I think these guys just need to settle in and compete well for us as a Cowboy."
On Dustin Plott's experience at the U23 Worlds:
"There's no disadvantage in making a world team in wrestling. He went and didn't place; you know what that does for you? You come back and get excited about being better and for him, that is what I told him. I think what I've seen from him has been fun to watch."
184-Pounder Dustin Plott
On the team's attitude entering the season:
"Our team this year I'd say definitely has more of an edge to it than what I've experience since I've been here. A lot of the guys kind of have a chip on their shoulder. All great guys, but you can tell the attitude is different this year. Another big difference I'd say is our team chemistry has been really good this year. We're hanging out outside the room a lot and I feel like we're a lot closer as a group than what we have been in years past."
On bumping up to 184 pounds:
"There's a lot of different factors that led to it. So far, I'm just really enjoying it. I get to focus a lot more on getting better at wrestling and a lot less on having to cut weight - 'I need to do this to get weight off, I need to do this." (Now I'm thinking) more of these are areas I'm deficient in and need to get better in. So, I'm having a lot more focus on getting better at wrestling."
Players Mentioned
Friday, June 05
Friday, May 29
Wednesday, May 27
Monday, May 18
