David Taylor, a former Penn State wrestling standout and Olympic gold medalist, recently embarked on his inaugural head coaching role with the Oklahoma State Cowboys wrestling program. Recognizing the magnitude of this transition, Taylor acknowledges that cultivating sustained success at Oklahoma State will be a gradual process.
Drawing from his extensive wrestling career and mentorship under esteemed coaches like Cael Sanderson, Taylor understands that building a championship-caliber team requires time, dedication, and strategic planning. His approach involves instilling a culture of excellence, fostering athlete development, and implementing training methodologies that have proven effective in his own career.
Taylor’s commitment to this long-term vision is evident in his initial staffing choices. He appointed Jimmy Kennedy, a former assistant at Penn State and his brother-in-law, as associate head coach, and brought in Thomas Gilman, a distinguished wrestler from the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, as an assistant coach. These strategic hires aim to infuse the program with a winning mentality and a robust support system for the athletes.
While Taylor is optimistic about the future, he emphasizes that transforming Oklahoma State into a wrestling powerhouse akin to Penn State is an endeavor that necessitates patience and persistent effort. He is committed to laying a solid foundation that will yield success in the years to come.
