‘What Better Way to Introduce Him’: Mestemaker Leads Cowboy Wrestling Out Against Iowa State

STILLWATER — Drew Mestemaker met the Oklahoma State fan base on Sunday afternoon, specifically the younger crowd.

The new QB1 spent almost every free moment taking pictures with fans while signing hats and other various things for what felt like every kid in attendance as Cowboy wrestling rocked No. 3 Iowa State 24-9.

Mestemaker was in attendance for the victory, often leaving his seat when things got intense during Cody Merrill’s 4-1 loss in the third overtime period, after he led the wrestlers into GIA for the big match.

“I think people are gonna look forward to wanting to walk our team out, you know, and you know obviously Drew is going to be a big part of our university,” coach David Taylor said. “And, can’t wait to watch him go out and play. A lot of excitement around him, and what better way to introduce him to the people of Stillwater than in front of 10,000 people at an awesome wrestling match.

“Which we kicked butt tonight.”

Taylor said it was his idea to get Mestemaker, one of the biggest transfer portal additions in the nation, to lead the guys in on Sunday. Mestemaker led the nation in passing yards with 4,379 last season.

“I think he was a little nervous, actually, you know, walking the team out and stuff,” Mestemaker said. “That’s his first time being here. He’s just a kid, but looking forward to that. I thought it was really cool that we were kind of able to do that.”

The wrestlers didn’t get to spend much time getting to know Mestemaker before the big dual meet, but 149-pounder Casey Swiderski was clearly thrilled to have him as a fellow Cowboy.

“I just think it is cool for Oklahoma State,” Swiderski said. “Growing up I was told to surround yourself with like-minded people that want to chase goals. And you bring these high level athletes and get them together. It’s cool. It’s good for the university.”