“Work hard in silence. Let your success be your noise.” A few days ago, David Taylor proved the reality of this adage through his performance at the World Wrestling Championships 2024. In the contest, he countered initial heartbreak, unbelievable grappling, and, above all, the pangs of his age. Yet, in the bronze medal match, Taylor subdued the former world champion Kamran Ghasempour to earn his last victory on the stage of the global event. Remember, he carried out this labor despite announcing retirement from the sport months ago and handling his coaching job in Oklahoma State University wrestling. Now, believe me, just as iron sharpens iron, his protégé’s path to success appears to have been as difficult. How? 

Follow JJ McComas’s journey in Stillwater. On Saturday, the recruit has achieved something unbelievable. But the question still lingers: how? As per the schedule, on November 9, the iconic Jenison Field House had the opportunity to host the Michigan State University Open. The schedule also framed wrestlers from 19 NCAA Division 1 programs. Notably, JJ McComas entered the contest in the 133-pound weight bracket, holding David Taylor’s OSU flag. Ultimately, the emotions around his event ran high. Why? 

In October this year, McComas lost his mother, Amanda McComas, to disease. Along with her, he had also lost his biggest support in his wrestling career. Meanwhile, the communities lined up to console the budding talent. But McComas didn’t throw himself in the dark water of sadness. Rather, he decided to continue his practice under the strict eyes of David Taylor’s coaching staffers. He had his eyes set on his game in the freshman/sophomore division. Now he has received the fruits of his labor. 

On November 9, JJ McComas won his debut game for the Oklahoma Cowboys in the Michigan State Open. The news created a positive atmosphere across the community, as the wrestler had a lot at stake. In the meantime, Cowboy’s X-handle joined the celebration. With breaking the news out, the handle wrote in the caption, “Quite the college debut for JJ McComas!” It sure is.

On October 10 this year, Seth Duckworth broke the heartbreaking news on X. In his brief post, the wrestling journalist wrote, “Keep JJ McComas and his family in your thoughts and prayers.” The wrestling community took a halt. The community lovingly remembers McComas’ Instagram post last year, posing with his mother, Amanda, and sister, Amara, wearing OSU’s color. To announce his commitment to David Taylor’s camp, the wrestler shared it. However, the former Oklahoma State champion already had his chance coming for the Cowboys. You may ask why. 

Because of his wrestling resume. Before joining the OSU Cowboys, McComas claimed the runner-up title in the Fargo Nationals in 2023. Furthermore, he claimed rank 4 in the nation in the 132-pound weight bracket. But his heavy resume didn’t put overconfidence in him. Rather, he showed up in Cowboys’ training hall, shedding sweat with trainer Tadaaki Hatta, just a few days after his mother’s demise. Does that magnify the message of not bowing down to difficulties? However, there is another wrestler on whom David Taylor bets. 

David Taylor’s other protégé may earn big on the mat 

On his first day with the OSU Cowboys, David Taylor said something significant. It was about his road map in the wrestling camp. There, the former Olympic champion said, “We’re gonna create our own magic down here.” JJ McComas’s performance surely stands to be a piece of magic. But there’s another waiting in the corner. 

David Taylor claimed something big on one of his protégés a few days ago. Rather, in front of the camera, the wrestling maestro disclosed, “He’s going to have a pretty challenging start to the season with some good competition. I think he’s definitely looking forward to that, and we’re looking forward to him getting to start off strong in these dual meets.” But who is this ‘he’? 

As per the update, Taylor’s words were for Troy Spartley, the recruit in the 125-pound weight class. However, Spartle has yet to achieve something big in the senior category. Still, Taylor didn’t feel bothered about that. He is just all praise of his “Little Spark Plug.” Why? The veteran knows about Troy’s unbeatable attitude of snagging victories even on his bad days. Doesn’t that quality also reside in Taylor and McComas? You have the answer.