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Teague’s League: Betting on Himself
February 03, 2024 | Cowboy Wrestling
What once was somewhat of a question mark in the Cowboy lineup has not only been solidified, but become a focal point of the third-ranked wrestling team thanks to redshirt sophomore Teague Travis.
Travis didn't enter the season as the favorite to start at 157 pounds. In fact, he had never even wrestled at the weight class throughout his first two years in Stillwater. Following the departure of longtime Cowboy Kaden Gfeller, Travis knew he could fight for a spot and make an impact on the team.
Despite not appearing in a dual prior to this season, Travis had always maintained a team-first mentality. Following a fantastic high school career, he immediately took on a redshirt year to learn and improve as much as he could. The following season, Travis bumped up to 149 pounds to serve the team and posted an impressive 17-2 record mainly through open tournaments.
When the Cowboys needed someone to answer the bell at 157 pounds this year, he was eager to take on the task, even if it meant stepping into yet another unfamiliar role.
"I spent a ton of time in the weight room this summer," Travis said. "I just kept getting bigger and bigger. I filled out, matured more and thought I needed to be the guy there. I wanted to do this for the team, and so far, it's worked out pretty well."
"Pretty well" is humble way to describe Travis' performance on the mat thus far. With a 14-3 record on the year, the wrestling world has taken notice of Travis' performance, rising into the top-15 in multiple polls. Travis truly announced his arrival last month in Raleigh, defeating fifth-ranked Ed Scott, 7-6, in a huge upset to spring the Cowboys to victory.
The success is not a surprise to Travis, who always knew his unmatched work ethic and team-first attitude would eventually pay off.
"I've been working really hard, taking it week by week. I try not to get too high or too low at any point. If I'm focused on the right things and I'm working hard, good things will come. Not only that, but when the time comes, I'll be ready to make the most of it. I know I've done everything in my power to go out there and put myself in position to win every time."
Those around Travis have taken note of his attitude and immense will to win as well. Although it may mostly come behind the scenes, Travis has become a leader on the team through his consistent drive and hours put into his craft. On a squad full of young competitors, that attitude has spread throughout the team and been key to the Cowboys' perfect 11-0 start.
"He's the hardest worker on the team, no doubt," head coach John Smith said of Travis. "He does things the right way and it shows on the mat.
"This team is more focused and better at paying attention to the little things. We're much more united as a team, wrestling as one and not as a bunch of individuals. This team believes in itself more than in the past."
Sunday's meeting at Missouri will serve as a homecoming for Travis, who grew up in Columbia and won three state titles at Fr. Tolton Regional Catholic high school before moving to Stillwater as a senior. His father, Brooks, also wrestled for the Tigers.
It may be a memorable weekend for Travis, but his focus remains on the task at hand, just as its always been – Don't let the moment get too big, put in the extra work and get the job done.
"Every day I go as hard as I possibly can. I just put my head down and know that my time is going to come. I'm not the fastest or the most athletic guy, so I've always had to outwork people to get where I am."
Travis didn't enter the season as the favorite to start at 157 pounds. In fact, he had never even wrestled at the weight class throughout his first two years in Stillwater. Following the departure of longtime Cowboy Kaden Gfeller, Travis knew he could fight for a spot and make an impact on the team.
Despite not appearing in a dual prior to this season, Travis had always maintained a team-first mentality. Following a fantastic high school career, he immediately took on a redshirt year to learn and improve as much as he could. The following season, Travis bumped up to 149 pounds to serve the team and posted an impressive 17-2 record mainly through open tournaments.
When the Cowboys needed someone to answer the bell at 157 pounds this year, he was eager to take on the task, even if it meant stepping into yet another unfamiliar role.
"I spent a ton of time in the weight room this summer," Travis said. "I just kept getting bigger and bigger. I filled out, matured more and thought I needed to be the guy there. I wanted to do this for the team, and so far, it's worked out pretty well."
"Pretty well" is humble way to describe Travis' performance on the mat thus far. With a 14-3 record on the year, the wrestling world has taken notice of Travis' performance, rising into the top-15 in multiple polls. Travis truly announced his arrival last month in Raleigh, defeating fifth-ranked Ed Scott, 7-6, in a huge upset to spring the Cowboys to victory.
The success is not a surprise to Travis, who always knew his unmatched work ethic and team-first attitude would eventually pay off.
"I've been working really hard, taking it week by week. I try not to get too high or too low at any point. If I'm focused on the right things and I'm working hard, good things will come. Not only that, but when the time comes, I'll be ready to make the most of it. I know I've done everything in my power to go out there and put myself in position to win every time."
Those around Travis have taken note of his attitude and immense will to win as well. Although it may mostly come behind the scenes, Travis has become a leader on the team through his consistent drive and hours put into his craft. On a squad full of young competitors, that attitude has spread throughout the team and been key to the Cowboys' perfect 11-0 start.
"He's the hardest worker on the team, no doubt," head coach John Smith said of Travis. "He does things the right way and it shows on the mat.
"This team is more focused and better at paying attention to the little things. We're much more united as a team, wrestling as one and not as a bunch of individuals. This team believes in itself more than in the past."
Sunday's meeting at Missouri will serve as a homecoming for Travis, who grew up in Columbia and won three state titles at Fr. Tolton Regional Catholic high school before moving to Stillwater as a senior. His father, Brooks, also wrestled for the Tigers.
It may be a memorable weekend for Travis, but his focus remains on the task at hand, just as its always been – Don't let the moment get too big, put in the extra work and get the job done.
"Every day I go as hard as I possibly can. I just put my head down and know that my time is going to come. I'm not the fastest or the most athletic guy, so I've always had to outwork people to get where I am."
Players Mentioned
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