Coach David Taylor Opens Up on Historic OSU Success After Passing First NCAA Championship Test

2024 started on an incredibly sour note for then-defending Olympic writing champion David Taylor. Following a shocking loss to Aaron Brooks, Taylor didn’t even make it to the 2024 U.S. Olympic team and shortly retired. However, the criticism followed as he became the highest-paid coach in the country at OSU, only to return to compete in the 2024 World Championship.

However, despite the backlash, the 34-year-old is ending the year on a much happier note. “The CKLV Invitational poses Oklahoma State’s first major test under head coach David Taylor,” Cowboys wrestling reported on December 4th. However, few could’ve guessed that, in the face of immense expectations, Taylor and Co. would deliver a landmark performance.

Despite nabbing a bronze medal at the World Championships, some people still doubted the American freestyle wrestling legend. After all, heading into one of the most prestigious regular-season college tournaments as an unproven coach was no easy task. However, OSU passed with flying colors. “Nine in the top four. That hasn’t happened since 1983,” said the Flo Wrestling reporter while catching up with Taylor after OSU’s historic performance.

“What does that say about your team’s potential ability to compete for a trophy?” asked the reporter. “I think that’s awesome. We’re leaving with a lot of progress and a lot of momentum,” claimed David Taylor. And he wasn’t wrong, because the OSU’s stunning performance stood in many ways, silencing the doubters.

Checking in with one session remaining. 5 in the finals. 4 wrestling for third. All 10 placers are in top five. Leading with 177 team points,” OSU posted after their Day 1 success. When the dust settled on Day 2, the Cowboys were the only ones with two names on the final results. Dean Hamiti (174 lbs) and Wyatt Hendrickson (285 lbs) went all the way, coming out on top of their divisions.

Meanwhile, the collective efforts of the entire team helped the Cowboys clinch the team ranking with 192 points. The team score also showed just how dominant David Taylor’s boys were at the 2024 CKLV Invitational, as second-placed Nebraska lagged far behind with 11 points. “I’m glad we came here,” said the triumphant coach as he also spoke about his personal experience.

David Taylor reveals how it feels to be on the other side of the mat

Before ending the interview, the reporter asked Taylor if it was “fun,” for the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist to participate as a coach. “It’s a lot of fun, you know. It’s a whole different dynamic, you know, being on the other side,” explained Magic Man. Taylor, who finally bid competitive wrestling goodbye after the 2024 World Championships, vividly remembers the thrill of tussling on the mat.

However, Coach David Taylor has proved that he had no problems transitioning from competing to coaching, a hurdle many struggle to overcome. “I enjoy sitting there. It’s the best seat in the house… Gonna watch these guys wrestle and watch them make changes and develop relationships with them. I think that stuff is more fun than the wins and losses,” admitted David Taylor.

The three-time world champion was also glad none of his athletes sustained any severe injuries during the tournament. “Our guys came in focused and healthy, you know, we’re leaving healthy,” stated Taylor. Now, as Taylor returns to Oklahoma with a winning roster, it’s clear that the OSU administration’s faith in the rookie coach has paid off.

“I think it’s a great thing any time that we can put the brand of the program out in the wrestling world,” said OSU athletics director Chad Weiberg. After their results at the 2024 CKLV Invitational, it’s hard to argue with Weiberg’s logic. Yet, what do you believe? Do you believe Taylor can usher in a new era after OSU’s most successful run at the CKLV in decades? Tell us in the comments.