snuffy
12-23-2008, 08:28 AM
College Wrestling Notebook: OSU’s John Smith changing lineup
Published: December 23, 2008
http://www.newsok.com/john-smith-changing-lineup/article/3332249?custom_click=lead_story_title
OSU’s Smith changing lineup
After a second consecutive loss to Oklahoma, Cowboys coach John Smith said he would encourage more competition among starters and reserves.
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True to his word, the Cowboys made some moves at last week’s Reno Tournament. Quinten Fuentes (149), Cody Hill (174) and Chris McNeil (184) all got mat time, with McNeil placing fifth. Smith said there could be more changes in the coming weeks.
"With a team like this we will continue to make changes until we get to the point where we’re comfortable,” he said. "We’re not consistent enough yet.”
Terry blossoming
OU’s Kyle Terry (149) unseated an NCAA qualifier for a starting job this year, but even then his position might have been on shaky ground. But Terry’s position as a starter has only solidified with an 11-1 record and a No. 14 ranking.
"We expect for Kyle what he expects from himself and that’s to be on the stand in March,” OU coach Jack Spates said. "He’s developed into an outstanding wrestler.”
Foster, Shinn injuries
Tyler Shinn (133) suffered a collarbone injury during Bedlam, but Smith said he could return soon, possibly as early as the Virginia duals next month. Clayton Foster (197) suffered an undisclosed injury and missed the Reno tournament. Foster has been one of OSU’s best this year with a 14-1 record, but Smith said the injury wasn’t serious. Chris Notte filled in for Shinn and placed third at Reno.
"I liked the way Chris wrestled,” Smith said. "He was aggressive, he scored points. He was really consistent.”
Keeping pace
The meat of the season lies ahead for OU with a Big 12 schedule that will include Iowa State, Missouri and another round of Bedlam. OU is unbeaten in duals and off to its best start since 1985. Can they keep it up?
"Our conference is beastly,” Spates said. "Three of the teams are in the top five. Now we’ve gone from 20th to 11th. We’re creeping up there. We just need to make sure we do the right things.”
BY MATT PATTERSON
Published: December 23, 2008
http://www.newsok.com/john-smith-changing-lineup/article/3332249?custom_click=lead_story_title
OSU’s Smith changing lineup
After a second consecutive loss to Oklahoma, Cowboys coach John Smith said he would encourage more competition among starters and reserves.
Featured Gallery
True to his word, the Cowboys made some moves at last week’s Reno Tournament. Quinten Fuentes (149), Cody Hill (174) and Chris McNeil (184) all got mat time, with McNeil placing fifth. Smith said there could be more changes in the coming weeks.
"With a team like this we will continue to make changes until we get to the point where we’re comfortable,” he said. "We’re not consistent enough yet.”
Terry blossoming
OU’s Kyle Terry (149) unseated an NCAA qualifier for a starting job this year, but even then his position might have been on shaky ground. But Terry’s position as a starter has only solidified with an 11-1 record and a No. 14 ranking.
"We expect for Kyle what he expects from himself and that’s to be on the stand in March,” OU coach Jack Spates said. "He’s developed into an outstanding wrestler.”
Foster, Shinn injuries
Tyler Shinn (133) suffered a collarbone injury during Bedlam, but Smith said he could return soon, possibly as early as the Virginia duals next month. Clayton Foster (197) suffered an undisclosed injury and missed the Reno tournament. Foster has been one of OSU’s best this year with a 14-1 record, but Smith said the injury wasn’t serious. Chris Notte filled in for Shinn and placed third at Reno.
"I liked the way Chris wrestled,” Smith said. "He was aggressive, he scored points. He was really consistent.”
Keeping pace
The meat of the season lies ahead for OU with a Big 12 schedule that will include Iowa State, Missouri and another round of Bedlam. OU is unbeaten in duals and off to its best start since 1985. Can they keep it up?
"Our conference is beastly,” Spates said. "Three of the teams are in the top five. Now we’ve gone from 20th to 11th. We’re creeping up there. We just need to make sure we do the right things.”
BY MATT PATTERSON