Oklahoma State coach Smith to be honored before Bedlam match

STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State wrestling head coach John Smith will be honored as part of OSU's 100 years celebration prior to this Friday's matchup with No. 7 Oklahoma.

Smith, who is in his 25th season as head coach and 33rd as part of the OSU wrestling program, has built a resume as both a coach and competitor that rivals those of the sports' greatest names.

Smith's greatest competitive achievements include winning two Olympic Gold Medals (1988, 1992) and six World Championships (1987-1992) among many other things. At OSU, he earned three All-America honors as well as two NCAA individual national championships during his collegiate career.

As a coach, Smith's name became synonymous with wrestling success. During his 24-plus seasons he has led the Cowboys to five NCAA team championships and coached 111 All-Americans, including 29 individual national champions. He has also coached the U.S. Olympic team on two separate occasions (2000, 2012).

Smith's 379 wins as head coach and 152 as a wrestler both rank as the most in OSU's storied history.

This season's Cowboys currently hold an 8-2 dual record and rank as the No. 4 team in the nation heading into this weekend's matchup with No. 7 OU. OSU came out on top in the teams' first meeting, defeating the Sooners in Norman 37-3.

The Bedlam dual will take place Friday night at 7 p.m. inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.