When you think of wrestling legends, it is impossible to overlook the “Magic Man”. From wins at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to unforgettable moments at the World Championships in 2018, 2022, and 2023, David Taylor has made it a habit to stack up Golds. To add on, stack another three Golden wins from the Pan American Championships, three from the US Open Championships, and two NCAA wins.

That’s not all. Taylor’s famous fights against Iran’s Olympian Hassan Yazdani cannot go unmentioned! Talor beat Yazdani 11-6 in the 2017 World Wrestling Championships, in Budapest. He consequently beat him 4-3 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, followed by the 2022 and 2023 World Wrestling Championship wins. And that’s the “magic man’s” magic. Like every good story, there is a twist here too! In an unbelievable turn of events, David Taylor did not qualify for the U.S. Olympic trials. Aaron Brooks beat Taylor 10-8, taking him Paris Olympics table. Post-this, there came a bigger surprise that no one saw coming.

David Taylor resigned! He has already moved on and stepped in as a coach at Oklahoma State University. His mission? To share his experience to shape wrestlers to come. Oklahoma State Cowboys are no less than wrestling royalty! They hold 34 national championships and 485 All-American honors under their belt. The Cowboys have churned out legends like Edward C. Gallagher, Art Griffith, and John Smith. Who can forget the four consecutive titles John Smith won in the 2000s? They are the Gold standard, but the upcoming generation is not one to go by just data.

Taylor’s coaching debut, however, has brought a fresh twist to the collegiate wrestling scene. His eyes are set on the next possible wrestling legend, Bo Bassett. Hailing from Bishop McCort Catholic Academy in Pennsylvania, this prodigy comes with an impressive portfolio. He has already won the 2023 U20 Pan American Championships, beating Mexico’s Diego Peraza Aguilar 11-1. Additionally, Bo has also won the 2021 U17 World Championships and the 2021 U17 Pan American Championships. But the question is, will Taylor coach Bo to the next LA Olympics podium?

David Taylor’s tactical move to bag Bo Bassett

“He wanted to make it meaningful. And I think that’s a good strategy,” said Bo after he met with Taylor. Bo who’s coming with an immaculate 74-0 record at the U20 World Championships. Unlike most athletes, he has taken a unique strategy to decide his college. He kicked off his hunt for the next school with a whopping list of 80 schools! A week of slice and dice later, he’s now down to 30, with the Cowboys still on the list. So, how exactly does Taylor intend to stand out amidst the 30?

Taylor’s recruiting strategy has been tactical and interesting. He waits for the initial rush to die and focuses on building a deeper connection with Bo. Bo went on to say, “I think DT, his resume speaks for itself. What he’s done for himself is unbelievable. …” But Taylor wasn’t the only one to impress Bo! “Coach Taylor and Coach Kennedy (Jimmy Kennedy), they’re both great communicators and we were just talking wrestling, and they’re awesome people, too. I think that’s something to note.”

As Bo goes on kicking schools off his list, there’s excitement brewing beyond as well! Oklahoma’s competition Iowa State University, has been making strategic moves on the side. Iowa signed the Pan American title holder U23 World Silver Medalist Kennedy Blades. Her move has been seen as a power play. “I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be a Hawkeye! Can’t wait to represent Iowa and for the journey ahead,” wrote Kennedy on Instagram. Adding more fuel to the fire, Christian Carroll transferred from OSU to Iowa State! “My final destination will be Ames, Iowa, and I am proud to be a Cyclone!,” Caroll wrote.

With Iowa’s strong team and tactical moves, Taylor has to make a masterstroke with Bo. “If you think about wrestling, I feel like, ultimately, you think about a couple of schools that have dominated for a long time. And Oklahoma State’s right up there, for sure,” added BO. ” They’re always a top team, and I think that Dave can try to keep that tradition going and he can see what he can do with it.”  This season is set to be a rollercoaster. The only question that remains is, will Taylor’s strategy work?