Oklahoma State has hired Olympic gold medalist David Taylor as its wrestling coach to replace John Smith, the school said Tuesday.
Taylor, 33, won gold in the 86-kilogram class at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 when he beat Hassan Yazdani of Iran. He sought another Olympic slot, but lost to Aaron Brooks at the Olympic Trials finals last month.
Taylor spent 11 years on Team USA and is a three-time world champion. He twice won the Hodge Trophy as the nation’s best collegiate wrestler while competing for Penn State.
He has massive shoes to fill. Smith retired after a 33-year run that produced five NCAA team championships, 33 individual NCAA champions and 23 conference titles. Under his direction, Oklahoma State produced 153 All-Americans and a 490-73-6 dual record.
AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
Oklahoma State hires Olympic gold medalist David Taylor as wrestling coach
Signs of sharp wit! These funny notices left customers in fits of laughter
Jersey Shore: Family Vacation: Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola and Ronnie Ortiz
Anguish as Kenya's government demolishes houses in flood
Should you put 'magic' mushrooms in your coffee?
'The more, the merrier!' Mother of Princess Beatrice's stepson says she is still close with her ex
First look: Prince Andrew 'car crash' interview with Emily Maitlis film trailer released by Netflix
Oklahoma State hires Olympic gold medalist David Taylor as wrestling coach
Queen Camilla praises Kate Middleton
Oklahoma State hires Olympic gold medalist David Taylor as wrestling coach
Government rejects Westport's plea for flood protection funding