Oklahoma State wrestling is kind of a big deal.
The No. 3-ranked Cowboys (13-2-1) bring credentials that no other professional or collegiate sports team can claim: 34 NCAA team championships, 132 individual NCAA champions, 228 individual conference champions, and 418 all-time All-Americans.
Impressive.
“We look at it this as a chance to make a name,” Oregon head coach Chuck Kearney said of the Ducks’ mentality coming into tonight’s 7 p.m. meet at McArthur Court. “As a program we want to compete at that level.” Oregon (9-11, 0-8 Pacific-10 Conference) has four wrestlers in the top four in Pac-10 standings at their weight class after last Friday’s duals against UC Davis and Stanford.
Like dynasties in other sports, the reach of Oklahoma State wrestling is felt even in Oregon, with all three Duck coaches – head coach Chuck Kearney and assistants Rick Stewart and Jason Powell – holding ties to the state or the program. Kearney and Stewart both wrestled at Oklahoma State, and Powell is from Midwest City, Okla. Kearney also was roommates with current Cowboys coach and Oklahoma State wrestling legend John Smith during his time in Stillwater.
It’s safe to say that everyone involved with Oregon wrestling understands what it means to bring Oklahoma State to Mac Court.
“We want the attitude not that we have to wrestle Oklahoma State,” Kearney said, “But we get to wrestle Oklahoma State.”
“There’s not a team that has won nearly that much, and it’s a good opportunity for me to show everyone what I’m capable of,” redshirt heavyweight Charlie Alexander said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
The chance to wrestle NCAA tournament-quality opponents is appealing to the entire team. Kearney and the team have prepared to be the underdogs in every one of the meet’s 10 matches, and are hoping to gauge their progress this season against the best wrestlers in the nation – including both strengths and weaknesses.
“If Ryan Dunn is able to get two or three (single-leg takedowns) for points, he’ll know that single will work against the best wrestler in the nation,” Kearney said.
“I’m sure I’ll learn something on Friday,” redshirt sophomore Ron Lee said. “Technique, whatever. I’m looking forward to getting out there. Everyone’s got the chance to win any match. I’m going to go out there tough.”
Oregon wrestlers Dunn (133 pounds) and Alexander (heavyweight) rank third in their weight class in the Pac-10 currently. Lee (174 pounds) and redshirt sophomore Kyle Bounds (157 pounds) both sit fourth.
An addition to the updated rankings is senior Marcus Meyer, debuting at 10th after walking on to the team within the last month. Despite not wrestling since his senior year of high school, Meyer stepped in to fill the hole Oregon has struggled with all season at the 184-pound weight class. He admits he has “no expectations” in matches, but will give his all given the chance he has to wrestle at the collegiate level.
“That’s something I can keep with me forever,” Meyer said of the chance to wrestle against Oklahoma State.
[email protected]