How Many Wrestling Championships Does Oklahoma State Have?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling When it comes to collegiate wrestling, there are few programs as dominant as Oklahoma State University. With a rich history and a tradition of excellence, Oklahoma State has consistently produced some of the greatest wrestlers in the sport. So, just how many wrestling championships does Oklahoma State have? Let’s take a closer look. The Beginnings Oklahoma State’s wrestling program began in 1914 under the guidance of Edward C. Gallagher. From its early days, the team showed promise and quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with. The First Championship It wasn’t long before Oklahoma State claimed its first NCAA team championship in 1928. Led by coach Gallagher, the Cowboys proved their mettle and set the stage for future success. A Dynasty is Born In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Oklahoma State began an unprecedented run of dominance in collegiate wrestling. Under coach Alex Schulte, the Cowboys captured six consecutive team championships from 1937 to 1942. The John Smith Era In more recent history, one name stands out above all others when discussing Oklahoma State wrestling – John Smith. As both a standout wrestler and a legendary coach, Smith has played an instrumental role in shaping the program’s success. Individual Champions Since Smith took over as head coach in 1991, he has guided numerous wrestlers to individual championships. The Cowboys have had an impressive number of national champions across various weight classes. Pat Smith: The first four-time NCAA champion in history (1989-1992). Jordan Oliver: NCAA champion at 133 pounds in 2011. Alex Dieringer: Three-time NCAA champion (2015-2016, 2017-2018) at 157 and 165 pounds. Kyle Dake: NCAA champion at 149 pounds in 2013. The Team Titles Oklahoma State’s team success hasn’t wavered over the years. The Cowboys have won a record-breaking number of NCAA team championships, solidifying their status as one of the most successful collegiate wrestling programs in history. 1937-1942: Six consecutive national championships under coach Alex Schulte. 1946-1949: Four consecutive national championships under coach Art Griffith. 1951-1953: Three consecutive national championships under coach Myron Roderick. In total, Oklahoma State has claimed a remarkable number of NCAA team championships. As of now, the Cowboys have won a staggering **34** national titles, solidifying their place as one of the most successful wrestling programs in collegiate history. The Tradition Continues Oklahoma State’s wrestling program remains a powerhouse to this day. With a legacy that spans over a century, the Cowboys continue to produce exceptional wrestlers who go on to achieve greatness both individually and as part of the team. In conclusion, Oklahoma State University has an impressive history when it comes to wrestling championships. From their first championship in 1928 to an ongoing tradition of excellence, the Cowboys have built a dynasty that few can rival. With legendary coaches and countless individual champions, Oklahoma State’s success on the wrestling mat is truly unparalleled.
