OSU Wrestling: Cowboy Greats Comment on John Smith’s Retirement

It was more than 33 years of impact for John Smith while leading Cowboy Wrestling.

Smith announced Thursday his retirement as Oklahoma State’s wrestling coach. During his time leading the program, Smith coached 33 individual NCAA champions, 153 All-Americans, 132 individual conference champs and two Hodge Trophy winners. Some of those former Cowboys who wrestled under Smith spoke with PFB about Smith’s retirement, including his impact on them individually, OSU and the sport of wrestling.

Daton Fix (5X All-American, 5X Big 12 Champion in 2017-24)

“Coach Smith was everything I could have asked for in a coach and mentor. His impact on the sport of wrestling will last forever. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to wrestle under the greatest wrestler of all time. John Smith is and will always be Oklahoma State wrestling.”

Nick Piccininni (3X All-American, 4X Big 12 Champion in 2015-20)

“Coach Smith is what I would say is a champion — someone who walks the walk and talks the talk in all aspects of life. This is why all of his wrestlers idolize him, including me. He changed the game of wrestling and has changed my life by giving me an opportunity to be a Cowboy. Congratulations to Coach Smith, and God bless him and his family.”

Shane Roller (3X All-American in 1999-2003)

“Congratulations to Coach Smith for his amazing coaching career. I’ve never met a person who has impacted a sport more than Coach Smith has impacted wrestling. The amount of time he gave to the sport and to OSU is unheard of. His legacy will live on through every athlete that he coached, as well as all the athletes that he coached who are actively coaching.”

Mark Munoz (NCAA Champion, 2X All-American in 1998-2001)

“What a legacy left behind by one of the greats to be in our sport of collegiate wrestling. He coached me for eight years, and I consider him to be one of the most influential people in my life. I love Coach John very much for not only being my coach, but also a father figure, friend and mentor. He’s a tremendous human being, and I wish nothing but the best for him in retirement or in whatever he decides to do. I love you, Coach John, and hope to see you soon.”

Neil Erisman (Big 12 Champion in 2011, Head Coach at Little Rock, 2024 NWCA Coach of the Year)

“What a fantastic career — as an athlete, a coach and mentor. His legacy is going to carry on for a long time. Not only did he change wrestling as an athlete, but he has changed it as a coach with his coaching tree. His finger prints are all over and that is incredible. Congratulations, Coach, on a great career.”

Kyle Crutchmer (2X All-American, 2X Big 12 Champion in 2012-17)

“Coach Smith changed the way I viewed the sport, helped me grow in a world that seemed so big for a kid from Oklahoma. I am glad to have been a part of his career.”

Daniel Cormier (NCAA Runner-Up in 2001, 2X Olympian, UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion)

Coach Smith, Thank you for all you’ve ever done for me and just wrestling in general. The sport was better with you in it. Enjoy retirement coach. I love you. DC @cowboywrestling @osuathletics @flowrestling @usawrestling 🐐 🐐 🐐. Chael and I are now live at the @espnmma… pic.twitter.com/NyoT7QFAdq

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 12, 2024