David Taylor’s entry into the Oklahoma State Wrestling camp might have seemed abrupt, given his lack of prior coaching experience. However, since taking on the role of head coach, he has demonstrated a remarkable presence of mind and management acumen. Taylor successfully retained several veteran team members while also recruiting prominent names from the transfer portal to bolster the camp’s strength. Nevertheless, living up to the legacy left by his predecessor John Smith presents a formidable challenge for Taylor, one that he fully acknowledges and embraces as a wrestler-turned-coach.

Therefore, he has devised a roadmap to achieve his goals as he stands on the opposite side of the ring. Yet, David also acknowledges the challenges and sacrifices necessary to maintain stability and progress.

A gone wrestler and a head coach trying hard to keep the momentum 

Since taking the reins of head coaching at Oklahoma State, David Taylor has witnessed wrestlers line up to join the club. It can be because of the former Olympic champion’s fame and camaraderie with the sport. But Christian Carroll did the opposite thing. The 97-weight bracket wrestler chose the transfer portal after Taylor had taken over the role and subsequently left the Cowboys’ camp to join the Iowa Cyclone. However, David Taylor does not argue with that changeover. Rather, in his conversation with FloWrestling, the coach said, “I think some people felt like there were better opportunities elsewhere and you know, wish them luck, you know, and that’s great.” But it had something connected to the Magic Man personally. 

Allegedly, there had been a continuous disharmony between Christian Carroll and David Taylor that later resulted in the change in the jersey color. In his tenure at the camp, Carroll used to prefer the homeboys of Oklahoma Cowboys such as Tyler Caldwell at the top position. Meanwhile, the foreign ones in the likes of David Taylor and assistant Thomas Gilman (both from Penn State NLWC background) failed to leave a mark in Carroll. Additionally, for David Taylor accommodating Christian Carroll in the 197 lbs category might become a hard job. So the result was Carroll’s exit from the camp. 

However, after joining the Cyclones, the phenom thanked the OSU wrestling camp for all the memories. Meanwhile, in his concluding note, he left a meaningful line, “I am proud to be a Cyclone!” David Taylor does not want to consider such situations, though. Rather, he is looking forward to hooking a few big names into the camp before the NCAA season kicks in.

David Taylor has his way of dealing with the standouts 

Currently, David Taylor’s OSU camp wants to rope in two big names – Bo Bassett and Yianni Diakomihalis. Among them, the four-time NCAA champion Yianni has made himself available almost for the Cowboys. The proof is his continuous appearance in Stillwater, where OSU has its office establishment. Furthermore, Yianni has always been a fan of David Taylor’s artistry and has celebrated the legend on more than one occasion. 

That leads to a high chance for him to see his name on the Cowboy’s roster in the upcoming season. If he joins in the fold, the 149-category will be his destination. And notably, nobody would be happier than the Magic Man himself if a veteran like Yianni Diakomihalis came to Oklahoma. However, for Bo Bassett, things are still hanging on a fine thread. 

The U17 World Wrestling Championship medalist has showcased his interest in joining a collegiate camp for his upcoming season on the X. Since then, many wrestling forts have called him to make him join their den. As the numbers are concerned, 29 college coaches have called the teenage phenom and David Taylor is one of those coaches. The result of the phone calls is yet to come to the public. But if he lands in OSU, that would be a brilliant investment for the Olympian. David Taylor is now living in that moment, hardly minding any loss.