John Smith is more than just a name in wrestling; it’s synonymous with unparalleled success and enduring legacy. From his dominant run as a wrestler, securing six consecutive world championships, to his transformative coaching career at Oklahoma State University, Smith has cemented his place as a true icon in the sport. This article delves into the remarkable journey of John Smith, exploring his achievements both on the mat and from the coach’s corner, highlighting why “John Smith Wrestling” resonates deeply within the global wrestling community.
Smith’s wrestling prowess became evident early in his career. As a competitor from 1987 to 1992, he achieved an unprecedented feat: six world championships in a row. This golden era included Olympic gold medals at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, solidifying his status as the world’s best wrestler. His dominance wasn’t limited to the international stage; his collegiate career at Oklahoma State laid the foundation for his future triumphs.
Transitioning to coaching in 1992, Smith returned to his alma mater, Oklahoma State, to lead the Cowboys wrestling program. His impact was immediate and transformative. Over his illustrious career as head coach, Smith led Oklahoma State to five NCAA team titles (1994, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006), establishing a dynasty that dominated collegiate wrestling. Under his guidance, the Cowboys achieved a top-five finish at the NCAA Championships an astounding 21 times, a testament to his consistent excellence and program building capabilities.
The numbers behind John Smith’s coaching career are staggering. He coached 33 NCAA individual champions, shaping the careers of some of wrestling’s brightest stars. At the conference level, Oklahoma State, under Smith, secured 21 team conference tournament championships, two Big 12 regular season titles, and an incredible 132 individual conference titles. His wrestlers earned All-America honors 153 times, a Division I wrestling record, averaging nearly five All-Americans per year. Furthermore, Smith coached two Hodge Trophy recipients, Alex Dieringer and Steve Mocco, recognizing the most dominant wrestlers in the nation. His influence extended to the Olympic stage as well, with five of his Oklahoma State wrestlers competing in the Olympic Games, including medalists Jamill Kelly and Coleman Scott.
Recognition for his coaching achievements was abundant. Smith was named the National Wrestling Coaches Association Coach of the Year twice (1994 and 2003) and received 15 conference coach of the year awards, highlighting his consistent success and leadership within the wrestling community.
John Smith’s dual meet record at Oklahoma State further underscores his legendary status. With a record of 490-73-6, he became OSU’s all-time winningest coach and ranks third in Division I history for dual meet wins. He is one of only three Division I coaches to surpass 450 wins, standing alongside Harold Nichols and Dale Thomas in the pantheon of wrestling coaching legends. Smith led the Cowboys to eight perfect dual seasons, and his wrestlers won over 70% of their individual matches, with 13 going on to represent Team USA at the world level. In his final 2023-24 season, he continued to produce top talent, with Daton Fix and Dustin Plott reaching the NCAA finals and Izzak Olejnik securing All-American honors. Daton Fix also made history as the Big 12’s first five-time champion and five-time All-American under Smith’s tutelage.
Prior to 2022, Oklahoma State consistently ranked among the nation’s elite, finishing in the top three at the NCAA Championships in four out of five years. This period included third-place finishes in 2019 and 2021, following undefeated dual seasons and Big 12 tournament titles, part of a remarkable streak of nine consecutive conference championships from 2013 to 2021. The 2017 season was another highlight, with the Cowboys achieving a 14-1 regular season record and dominating the conference championships with eight individual titles.
The period from 2013 to 2017 saw sustained success for Oklahoma State wrestling under John Smith. The team secured two NCAA runner-up finishes (2013, 2016), two third-place finishes (2014, 2017), and a seventh-place finish (2015). During this time, Smith coached 36 individual conference champions, eight individual national champions, and 30 All-Americans. Notably, he guided Alex Dieringer to three NCAA titles and the prestigious Dan Hodge Trophy, and his nephew Chris Perry to back-to-back NCAA titles.
The early 2010s were also marked by conference dominance, with Big 12 tournament titles in 2010 and 2011, and a regular season title in 2012. The 2011 conference win was particularly impressive as the Cowboys boasted the youngest lineup in the league, demonstrating Smith’s ability to develop young talent. Jordan Oliver, a standout wrestler from this era, captured two national titles and became a four-time All-American.
Perhaps the pinnacle of Smith’s coaching career was leading Oklahoma State to four consecutive NCAA team championships from 2003 to 2006. The 2005 team achieved historic dominance, crowning an NCAA-record five individual champions and setting school records for team points and margin of victory at the NCAA Championships.
Before his legendary coaching career, John Smith established himself as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. His high school and collegiate records were outstanding, but it was on the international stage where he truly shined. His six world championships and two Olympic gold medals cemented his legacy as a wrestling icon. He was the first wrestler to receive the James E. Sullivan Award, recognizing America’s outstanding amateur athlete, and was named Master of Technique and Wrestler of the Year by the International Wrestling Federation (FILA).
John Smith’s impact extends beyond his personal achievements and coaching accolades. He built an impressive coaching tree, with his former wrestlers leading wrestling programs across the nation. His establishment of the Gator Wrestling Club further demonstrates his commitment to developing wrestling talent for international competition. His contributions to wrestling also include serving as an analyst for NBC, bringing his expertise to a broader audience.
The “John Smith wrestling” legacy is deeply intertwined with family. His brothers, Lee Roy and Pat Smith, and his sons, Joe and Sam, have all contributed to the Oklahoma State wrestling tradition. This family legacy, combined with his unparalleled achievements and coaching success, ensures that John Smith’s name will forever be revered in the world of wrestling. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to shape the sport for generations to come.
