David Taylor’s first season as the head coach of Oklahoma State University (OSU) wrestling marks a pivotal moment for the program. A highly accomplished Olympic and collegiate wrestler, Taylor brings a fresh perspective to a program that many felt had grown stagnant in recent years. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that while wrestling is inherently challenging, it can also be fun. Taylor’s vision goes beyond technical skills and tactics; he is determined to instill a growth-oriented mindset in his athletes.
Taylor’s impact was immediate. In his debut match as head coach, OSU defeated Wyoming with an impressive score of 32-6. Under Taylor’s leadership, the team has consistently scored above 32 points in dual meets this season, a notable improvement from the previous year. Speaking about his team, Taylor emphasized the importance of veteran wrestlers’ influence, saying, “Our guys that have been there and had success at the national tournament—their aura, their demeanor, their work ethic—are super valuable for some of the younger guys on our team.”
Taylor’s influence extends to key wrestlers such as Troy Spratley, Luke Surber, Tagen Jamison, and transfers like Dean Hamiti and Wyatt Hendrickson. Notably, Hamiti secured a win against Columbia’s Lennox Wolak in the current NCAA season. Reflecting on the challenges faced by his wrestlers, Taylor remarked, “It’s a tough weight class (174 pounds), but that’s why we’re training and what we’re wrestling for.”
Although Taylor retired from competitive wrestling at 33, he made a brief comeback, competing in the U.S. World Team Trials and earning a bronze medal at the World Championships. His coaching tenure at OSU has already produced impressive results, including a team title at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, the second-ranked recruiting class, and an undefeated dual record capped by a 34-9 victory over No. 7 Virginia Tech.
Taylor’s approach draws from his own experience under legendary coach Cael Sanderson. He acknowledges parallels between his efforts at OSU and Sanderson’s success at Penn State but recognizes the evolving nature of college athletics. “College athletics is much different now than what it was then,” Taylor observed, highlighting the need for modern wrestlers to be adaptable and self-aware.
A student of wrestling history, Taylor believes the sport operates in cycles. “If you look back in the history of time—it’s the same programs; it’s just different eras, right?” he stated. His dedication to continuing OSU’s storied tradition while pushing the boundaries of what the program can achieve marks a new chapter for the team and its fans.
As the Cowboys continue their dominance this season, Taylor’s vision of blending tradition with innovation positions OSU as a formidable force in collegiate wrestling. The wrestling community eagerly awaits to see how his coaching philosophy and leadership will shape the team’s future.