The NCAA is the cherry on ice for the collegiate wrestling programs. After the 91st Championship concept came into emergence, there is a new event coming up that will be providing a big stage out for the Division-1 wrestling teams. Not just any, but a chance to go head-to-head against one another.

David Taylor‘s vision of a national dual meet has been turned into a reality by the NCAA. With opposing statements coming from Penn State coach Cael Sanderson on its relevance, it was then that the Cowboys head coach spoke out on the matter. Clear and straight-forward with his words, the concerns are now being addressed by him.

David Taylor has something to say

It has just been a day since the announcement, and the negative criticism has already made its way against the national duals scheduled in November. Putting the concerns out, David Taylor, however, shares down the basic pointers on what the dual meet has to offer and the idea behind the construction of the event.

“The National Tournament, decided in March with individuals, so that, that’s not being moved. This is nothing to do with that. This is national tournaments in March, is just an invitational game of year. You know, team can get four matches, and we get to wrestle and get an opportunity to, to help out our programs.”

As stated by him during the interview, the event does not look forward to highlight any particular wrestler from any team. Not to bring out any national champion or just a mere money-making event. It is rather an opportunity, and a platform given out to the collegiate wrestling teams as a whole to make wrestling emerge out among other sports while bringing it to the fans’ attention. This comes in reference to coaching while providing the best training.

“You know, I think we just as coaches, we get a chance to make an impact on the sport. You know, try and grow, grow the wrestling, move things forward, um, get people excited, get b–ts in seats, I think that’s the idea. So, I don’t know who’s going to be there or not. And, we just hope that it’s a great event. Everybody’s there.”

Looking forward to creating an impact, the NCAA National Duals meet will be showcasing a total of sixteen different teams from Division 1. While some of them have already made their decisions, some are yet to make it, with others left undecided or having opted out of the participation.

Top 16 teams of the national duals

As the host, Oklahoma State is one of the participating teams in the national duals. The No. 3 team with a 9-0 record is coming off a dominant season, showcasing some of the turnover performances by its wrestlers and star performers like Troy Spratley. With them already on the list, joining the OSU Cowboys is the No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes.

As confirmed by their head coach, Kevin Dresser, the Iowa Hawkeyes, is the second team to join the duals. Carrying the excitement, the coach confirms their participation in the Tulsa event in one of the recent interviews. “We’re signing up. We’d love to go to Tulsa. I don’t care who the heck we wrestle.” The Iowa is coming off a record of 8-0.

No. 1 Nittany Lions, on the other hand, will not be a part, as their head coach Cael Sanderson has shown his disinterest in the duals match. The major absence will, however, be felt by their fans. The major objection is coming from Sanderson, and therefore states his different outlook in comparison to others.

Opportunity is what David Taylor has to say about the upcoming D1 wrestling National Duals meet. The total roster is, however, yet to be out and will be out in July. Besides adding authority as a host, the Oklahoma State’s relevance will be seen while competing as a No. 3 ranked wrestling team.