In a groundbreaking decision, Oklahoma State has officially appointed David Taylor as the new head coach of the Cowboy wrestling program. Taylor, who has spent the last 15 years at his alma mater Penn State, where he excelled as a 2-time national champion, 2-time Hodge Trophy winner, and 4-time NCAA finalist, will now lead the Cowboys. During his time at Penn State, Taylor contributed to the team's victories in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Following his college career, Taylor continued his training in State College and went on to achieve remarkable success, becoming a 3-time World champion, securing the Olympic gold in 2021, and establishing himself as one of the top pound-for-pound wrestlers globally.
Taylor's appointment marks the first time in 33 years that the Cowboys have a new head wrestling coach. Under the guidance of the legendary John Smith, the team clinched five NCAA Division I national team titles in 1994, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006, producing an impressive total of 33 individual national champions.