Owrestle
Oklahoma State legend John Smith announced his retirement Thursday, ending a 33-year run as head coach of the Cowboy wrestling program. The legacy of his career is astounding.
Let’s check out some initial reactions from the wrestling community:
I started wrestling in 1990 in a Chicago Park District basement. Knew next to nothing, but my parents bought me the Brute John Smith shoes so I learned who he was and felt pretty invincible wearing them.
— Ray Blake (@CoachRayBlake) April 11, 2024
34 yrs later, still an inspiration. Congrats and thank you, John Smith! 🐐 https://t.co/yIbtNG0dpY
Some of my favorite moments in wrestling were with John W. that's my guy. https://t.co/iO7ZCBMhgi
— If The Ranking Dont Fit You Must Acquit (@MatScouts1) April 11, 2024
John did numbers! 👏🏼 https://t.co/GW9aYUnhUu
— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) April 11, 2024
🗣️ THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING 🙏🏽 🤠 😢 🐐 https://t.co/wx6A3IpPes
— Jordan Oliver (@that_dude_JO) April 11, 2024
Congratulations on a spectacular career! What a ride!!! https://t.co/9sFzQOa4GI
— Shane Sparks (@ShaneSparksBTN) April 11, 2024
The end of an era. Forever grateful for Coach Smith’s impact on my life 🧡🤠 https://t.co/H87DeEbuPu
— Taylor Gregorio (@taylorgregorio) April 11, 2024
Congratulations on a legendary career, Coach Smith!#NCAAWrestling https://t.co/w2AYaAUdvH
— NCAA Wrestling (@NCAAWrestling) April 11, 2024
You changed my life for the better! Thank you for everything Coach Smith. Enjoy your retirement🐐 #GOCOWBOYS pic.twitter.com/e8wtD3ljuD
— Kyle Crutchmer (@KyleCrutchmer) April 11, 2024
There aren’t enough words to explain how much of a national treasure John W. Smith is to the sports landscape, not just the wrestling one. https://t.co/sMoinvqvSk
— Jason Bryant (@jasonmbryant) April 11, 2024
Mixed emotions with this! Happy for coach but sad to see him go…Coach Smith is synonymous with OSU Wrestling. It was the experience of a lifetime and a dream come true to put on the orange singlet and get to learn from and wrestle for him! Thank you for everything Coach!! https://t.co/xKpd086oam
— Jon Morrison (@jmo_133) April 11, 2024
John Smith retires after 33 years as Oklahoma State head coach! 😳
— WrestlersGrind (@_wrestlersgrind) April 11, 2024
Who takes over? pic.twitter.com/oR6AqHO9G6
