This season has been sizzling hot for Oklahoma State University’s wrestling team; they are continually dominating their matches. It includes a major victory of 33-6 against Arizona State, nailing the match. And they continue to serve hot. If we talk about most of the weight classes, they’re set to go having clear starters. But uncertainty still lingers. That has gotten Coach David Taylor stuck between two very talented wrestlers—Reece Witcraft, a senior with plenty of experience, and Cael Hughes, a younger, rising freshman. With both of them displaying strong performances, the decision is yet to be announced by Taylor—for choosing one of them to be the team’s permanent starter in this spot! Any guesses? Both stand equal chances until the ball is in David’s court.

Going forward, the team’s success depends on it, as having solid wrestlers in every weight class is essential. Thus, Taylor’s decision is extremely critical. Especially when the bigger competitions, including national championships, knock on their door this ongoing season. Both Witcraft and Hughes have been impressive, but Coach Taylor is waiting for one to prove they are the best choice for this important role. Is Taylor confused because of excellence or due to not yet being impressed? 

The battle for the 133-pound spot

In wrestling, each weight class has one wrestler who represents the team in that particular weight class. The 133-pound weight class is key in team wrestling. And for this spot, the battle is between Witcraft, the senior, and Hughes, the freshman. Recalling a recently played match, Hughes won by a mind-blowing score of 18-1, portraying his ability to be proactive and aggressive at the same time, and these skills are highly valued by head coach David Taylor. His performance, even though stellar, couldn’t place him in the spot of the starting wrestler just yet.

On the other hand, Witcraft has spent more time with wrestling. He has experience and has won several matches in the past. He’s been with the team for much longer, equipping him with a deeper understanding of the sport. However, despite his experience, Taylor maintains the suspense of who should take the 133-pound spot. Taylor praised both wrestlers for doing well in their matches, but he expects more to be selected by him as starters.

For Hughes, the competition is more than just about winning a spot. He looks up to Witcraft and sees the rivalry as an opportunity to learn. Hughes admires Witcraft’s experience and ability to overcome challenges, which he hopes to learn from as he competes. In an interview, Taylor said, “They both have done what we’re looking for them to do so far. Reece has gotten two bonus-point wins so far. And Cael is obviously right there. I think someone will separate themselves.”

David Taylor waits for the right time

David Taylor’s decision for the 133-pound spot is more than just a personal battle for Hughes and Witcraft—it’s crucial for the entire team. In team sports like wrestling, having a stable lineup with each wrestler in the right spot is key to success. If the team’s 133-pound spot remains undecided for too long, it could affect their overall performance, especially as they look ahead to the national championships, where every match counts. So what’s it going to be?

We know that even though Hughes and Witcraft are competing against each other, both are pushing each other to improve. Hughes is learning from Witcraft’s experience, while Witcraft is motivated by the younger wrestler’s energy. Their competition makes both of them better wrestlers, and it’s strengthening the team as a whole, which is a plus.

David Taylor believes that one of the two will eventually step up and prove they are the best fit for the 133-pound spot. Till the time, he continues to observe. As the season continues, the pressure is on both Hughes and Witcraft to show they are ready to represent Oklahoma State at the highest level and help the team succeed in their quest for a championship, and on Taylor for the most crucial decision that could turn the fate of this team before getting started.