Tyler Caldwell, Gary Wayne Harding Promoted on John Smith’s Staff

A pair of Cowboy Wrestling alums are climbing the ranks on John Smith’s coaching staff.

Oklahoma State announced Tuesday that Tyler Caldwell is being promoted from recruiting coordinator to assistant coach while Gary Wayne Harding is replacing Caldwell as OSU’s recruiting coordinator after spending a year as a volunteer assistant.

A four-time All-American, Caldwell is entering his seventh season on OSU’s coaching staff. His first six came as recruiting coordinator where he most recently helped the Pokes sign the No. 1 class in the 2023 cycle with top-ranked pound-for-pound wrestler Christian Carroll.

Caldwell spent two seasons wrestling at OU before transferring to Oklahoma State ahead of the 2012-13 season. He amassed a 126-29 career recording, going 63-9 in his time at Oklahoma State.

Harding was a two-time NCAA qualifier at OSU before transferring to North Carolina for his senior season where he made nationals for a third time. He spent three seasons as an assistant on the Tar Heels’ staff before returning to Stillwater.