After 33 years in Stillwater, Oklahoma State has officially announced the retirement of John Smith, the legendary wrestling coach who built one of the most dominant programs in collegiate history. Smith, a former Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion, cemented his legacy not just as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time but also as a coach who transformed Oklahoma State into a powerhouse over three decades.
Now, with his retirement, the university is taking steps to honor his unparalleled contributions to the program and the sport. Oklahoma State has unveiled plans to celebrate his impact in a way fitting for a coach who redefined excellence in college wrestling.
John Smith’s Historic Career at Oklahoma State
Smith took over as Oklahoma State’s head wrestling coach in 1991, inheriting a program already steeped in tradition. However, under his leadership, the Cowboys reached new heights. Across his tenure, Smith guided Oklahoma State to:
- 5 NCAA team championships
- 24 conference titles (Big Eight and Big 12 combined)
- 33 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances
- Over 450 career dual meet victories
More than just team accomplishments, Smith developed individual champions at an astonishing rate. Under his guidance, over 30 wrestlers won individual NCAA titles, and the program produced more than 150 All-Americans.
But his influence extended beyond the mat. Smith shaped generations of wrestlers, instilling in them a work ethic and mindset that made them successful not just in wrestling, but in life. His coaching tree extends far and wide, with many of his former athletes now coaching at various levels across the country.
Why Oklahoma State is Honoring John Smith
Given Smith’s profound impact on the university and the sport, Oklahoma State is making sure his contributions are properly recognized. The school has announced plans to honor Smith in several ways:
1. A Permanent Tribute on Campus
Oklahoma State has confirmed that a statue of John Smith will be erected on campus, a fitting tribute to his legendary career. The statue, which will be placed near Gallagher-Iba Arena, will celebrate not only his accomplishments as a coach but also his unparalleled career as a competitor.
2. Wrestling Facility to Be Renamed
To further honor Smith’s contributions, Oklahoma State’s wrestling training facility will bear his name. This move ensures that future generations of wrestlers training at OSU will understand the legacy of excellence that Smith helped build.
3. A Celebration at Gallagher-Iba Arena
Oklahoma State has also announced that it will host a special tribute event at Gallagher-Iba Arena, where fans, former wrestlers, and supporters can celebrate Smith’s incredible career. The event is expected to feature past champions, former teammates, and coaching colleagues who will speak about Smith’s impact.
Smith’s Influence Beyond Oklahoma State
Smith’s influence wasn’t confined to Stillwater. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1988, 1992) and six-time world champion, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers in history before he ever took over the Oklahoma State program. His “low single” takedown revolutionized wrestling, and his coaching innovations have shaped the sport at all levels.
Many of his former wrestlers have gone on to compete internationally, coach college programs, and even lead USA Wrestling. His presence in the sport will be felt long after his retirement.
What’s Next for Oklahoma State Wrestling?
With Smith stepping down, the question now turns to who will replace him. Finding someone to fill the shoes of a legend is no easy task, but Oklahoma State is expected to conduct a thorough national search for its next head coach.
Potential candidates could include:
- Zack Esposito (OSU assistant coach, former NCAA champion)
- Chris Perry (OSU alum, current assistant coach at Oklahoma State)
- Pat Smith (John Smith’s brother and the first four-time NCAA champion in history)
Regardless of who takes over, the standard has been set. Oklahoma State wrestling will forever carry the imprint of John Smith’s leadership and success.
A Final Farewell to a Legend
As John Smith steps away from the mat, Oklahoma State is ensuring his contributions are remembered for generations to come. His name is synonymous with excellence, dominance, and tradition, and his impact on Oklahoma State and wrestling as a whole is unmatched.
His retirement marks the end of an era, but the legacy of John Smith will never fade.
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