“We have some guys like Elliott Hellwege who do a lot for this program. Elliott is playing a backup role right now, yet everything is about trying to win as a team,” Smith says. “He really brings that spirit and shows a lot of leadership, because somebody has to play that role. Right now it’s not the role he came here to play, but there’s a lot of maturity in this kid, and I appreciate what he does for this team.
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at a guy and sit around and talk to him, you can see why he’s a national champion or an All-American. Right now I believe we have several guys who are truly committed to being the best in the nation.” While working to build champions on the mat this season, Smith has his eyes on the bigger picture. “I’d love to see Oklahoma State Wrestling endowed,” he says. “We should put ourselves in a position
I’m going to work my tail off to turn it around and make it a positive
environment — whatever it takes. It’s not about shooting a double-leg or a single-leg better. I’m
talking about life changes.” “We’ve got a lot of people like that,” he adds. “Dallas Bailey (165 lbs.) shows a great commitment to his academics, and I think it rubs off on people. Chris McNeil (174 lbs.) is just an all-around positive influence.” Ranked No. 1 in his weight class, Oliver is also leading by example. “Jordan just trains hard,” Smith says. “He’s got a couple little habits that I’d like to see him break in the room and in his demeanor, but when you see him devastate somebody 15–1 in the first period in Gallagher, he’s doing pretty much the same thing every day in practice, dominating people. He’s really building a championship mentality in the wrestling room — and that’s where it has to start. “There’s a certain characteristic about great wrestlers. I don’t know about other sports, but when you look
where the coaches and athletes now and in the future always have a chance to be the best. That’s a great responsibility. “OSU Wrestling has won more championships than any program in the entire nation at any division or any level,” he adds. “I’m just a small part of it. It’s not because of me. It’s because of a lot of great athletes and coaches who have made a commitment to be the best, and we shouldn’t ever take it for granted.” Since 1989, a band of supporters known as the White Jacket Club for their signature satin apparel, has helped provide valuable financial resources via the POSSE to support the program’s operating budget. With a recent name change, this loyal group is looking to expand its mission and its membership.
“Calling it the Cowboy Wrestling Club just makes sense, because the name ties it to Oklahoma State a little bit more,” Smith explains. “What I see the club evolving into is something that is going to step up even more and focus on the endowment of the entire program.” The cost to endow a full scholarship through OSU’s “Leave a Legacy” campaign is $500,000. Thanks to past White Jacket Club contributions and several other significant gifts, OSU is halfway toward Smith’s short-term goal of endowing all 10 wrestling scholarships. “That would be a good start for now,” Smith says. “I have higher goals than that, and we have a higher budget than just scholarships, but I do believe we need to take our first steps.” Undefeated in dual action through the fall semester, Smith likes where his team is headed. “We struggled through a couple lean years, but we’re in a good spot right now,” he says. “That doesn’t mean that we’re going to light it on fire this year, it just means that we have an opportunity. We need to get some guys healthy to make a difference in the real strength of our team, but we have a good core group of athletes in the room.” After experiencing the lows of the past few seasons, Smith says he won’t take success for granted, despite the tradition on campus. “It could change at any time,” he cautions. “We have to keep the edge that we’ve created for ourselves and make sure we follow through. But as long as people are working hard and living the lifestyle that’s expected of them, it sure is a fun place.”
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