The first away matches of the season for Oklahoma State University (OSU) were full of challenges. They traveled to face Utah Valley and Oregon State. The duals, held in rowdy environments, tested the Cowboys’ resolve, but head coach David Taylor’s leadership and a solid team effort led OSU to an astonishing 36-3 victory over Oregon State. The match– a pivotal moment for the Cowboys, as they not only overcame the away pressure but also did their best. Taylor had warned his team beforehand about the necessity of being mentally sharp, whether they were home or away. This mindset would pay off in the long run.

David Taylor’s warning to his wrestlers acted like a booster to maintain focus and perform at the highest level, even in threatening surroundings, ranging true as OSU flew past Oregon State. Despite the wild atmosphere at Gill Coliseum, the Cowboys showcased discipline, skill, and determination, making sure that they remained undefeated. Taylor reflected on the trip, acknowledging both the difficulty of the matches and the areas for improvement.

Cowboy’s Resilience in Tough Conditions

The first away duals against Utah Valley and Oregon State were as difficult as it could be. Against Oregon State, the Cowboys faced an enthusiastic home crowd, but the team stayed calm. OSU opened at 125 pounds with a hard-fought victory by Troy Spratley. He took his match into overtime before hanging onto a 7-4 decision. With this, Cowboy’s determination was visible. As the match progressed forward, each cowboy wrestler rose to the occasion, with standout performances such as Carter Young’s 14-4 major decision and Dean Hamiti’s dominant 18-1 Technical fall, which helped the team extend its lead.

“It was good. It was a challenging trip for our guys for the first matches of the season to be away twice; Utah Valley and (Oregon State) – two really good wrestling environments and two good teams. It was good to see them. We have a lot of stuff we’re working on, and now we have things we can go back and improve”  David Taylor said after the match. This quote encapsulates the team’s collective effort and the lessons they would carry forward. Taylor’s perspective highlighted that the challenges were useful in exposing areas for growth despite the victory.

Beyond individual performances, OSU’s ability to adapt to each match and wrestle through adversity was crucial. The team, especially in the second half, showed resilience as they expanded their lead with dominant wins from wrestlers like Dustin Plott (24-8 technical fall) and Wyatt Hendrickson (16-1 technical fall). This consistency in performance under pressure proved that OSU was ready to handle tough conditions, making the victory even more significant. 

Learning hard-earned lessons with victory at home

While the win was decisive, Taylor knows that there is always room for improvement, especially given the tight turnaround before the next duals against Wyoming and Arizona State. With the team’s first away matches behind them, there is still much to refine. Several wrestlers, including Teague Travis, faced tight matches that exposed areas where they could grow. Travis’ overtime loss at 157 pounds. These lessons will be important as OSU prepares for a quick return to competition in the coming week.

David Taylor acknowledged the short week ahead, focusing on the need for continuous improvement. This focus on the finer details of preparation is crucial. OSU faces tougher competition in the next round of duals. Against Wyoming, coached by former Cowboy wrestler Mark Branch, and Arizona State, OSU will need to be even sharper in both technique and mental readiness.

Looking ahead, the rest of the season is filled with opportunities to build on these early successes. The Cowboys are poised to strengthen their lineup and continue refining their strategies, with key matches on the horizon. While this victory builds their confidence, the lessons learned from the away duals will fuel the Cowboys’ continued improvement. Taylor and his wrestlers focus on areas like endurance, finishing moves, and maintaining composure. The goal is not just to win but to build a championship-caliber team that can handle any environment.