Don Nickles: “lasting traditions are built around great people who are dedicated and committed to succeed. Such a tradition exists at…”

“lasting traditions are built around great people who are dedicated and committed to succeed. Such a tradition exists at Oklahoma State University in collegiate wrestling. It began with the vision of coach Ed Gallagher in 1916, followed by his wrestlers claiming the title at the first NCAA tournament in 1928, and continues today with Pat Smith, the four-time national champion of the 1994 national champion Oklahoma State Cowboys. Pat's unequalled fourth NCAA championship fueled Oklahoma State, my alma mater, to its 30th national wrestling title, which is far more than any other school. Pat's distinguished national milestone follows a long list of local, regional, and national achievements. Since losing a match his freshman year, Pat has won each of the 98 times he has taken the mat. In 1990, he became one of only three true freshmen to win NCAA titles. The following year, he claimed first place trophies at the St. Louis Open, the Oklahoma Open, and the Las Vegas Invitational. That same year, Pat also took the gold at the U.S. Olympic Festival in Los Angeles. In 1992, his streak of NCAA and Big Eight victories continued while taking the titles at the Midlands Tournament and the Fort Hays Open, where he was awarded Outstanding Wrestler honors. This past season, Pat was named Outstanding Wrestler at the St. Louis Open and repeated as a gold medalist at the U.S. Olympic Festival in San Antonio.”