Oklahoma State Cowboys showcased their dominance in their final home dual match against Missouri on Sunday, securing a resounding victory under the leadership of head coach David Taylor. The performance of the team was nothing short of remarkable, with wrestlers such as Troy Spratley (125 lbs) and Dustin Plott (184 lbs) securing major decisions, further solidifying the Cowboys’ reputation in college wrestling.
A Strong Show of Support from Fans
The match saw an impressive turnout, with the Gallagher-Iba Arena hosting over 10,700 fans, marking one of the highest attendance figures for the Cowboys this season. This level of fan engagement was particularly noteworthy considering the absence of Oklahoma State’s traditional rivals—No. 2 Iowa, No. 13 Iowa State, and No. 22 Oklahoma—on the home schedule. Despite this, the event drew significant interest, demonstrating the strong following the Cowboys command, even without marquee matchups.
Recognizing the achievement, Oklahoma State University’s Senior Associate Athletic Director acknowledged the team’s growing fan base and their ability to draw large crowds, even without facing their biggest rivals. The statement highlighted how the program continues to thrive, supported by a passionate fan base that remains engaged regardless of the opponent.
A Historic Season for the Cowboys
The Cowboys’ victory over Missouri (ranked No. 20) added to their impressive legacy in college wrestling. With 34 NCAA Championships and 143 individual national champions to their name, Oklahoma State has built a program that commands respect across the sport. Sunday’s win also marked the team’s 45th undefeated home dual season, further reinforcing their dominance at the Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Missouri, which finished 11th at the 2024 NCAA Championships, likely did not anticipate the overwhelming atmosphere created by the Cowboys’ fans. Oklahoma State capitalized on this home advantage, delivering a commanding 36-3 victory.
Rivalries and Continued Dominance
Even though Oklahoma State has not had the opportunity to wrestle against their major rivals at home this season, they are set to face off against strong opponents like Iowa, Iowa State, and Oklahoma. The rivalry with Iowa remains one of the most intense in college wrestling, dating back to the 1970s. These two programs have consistently been among the best in the nation, making their clashes highly anticipated events.
Iowa State also represents a significant challenge for Oklahoma State. The Cowboys recently secured their 64th all-time victory against Iowa State with a 27-12 win on January 26. Meanwhile, the in-state rivalry with Oklahoma remains a defining fixture in college wrestling history, with the Cowboys boasting an overwhelming advantage—34 NCAA titles compared to the Sooners’ seven.
The Legacy of Oklahoma State Wrestling
Despite not facing their primary rivals in home duals, Oklahoma State has continued to maintain its status as a dominant force in the sport. Their ability to attract a massive crowd, even against a non-traditional rival, speaks volumes about the program’s influence. While matchups against teams like Iowa and OU generate excitement, the Cowboys’ success is built on more than just their rivalries.
David Taylor’s leadership has played a crucial role in shaping the team’s performance, further enhancing the Cowboys’ reputation. With a history of excellence and a fan base that remains committed regardless of the opponent, Oklahoma State’s wrestling program continues to be one of the most formidable in college sports.