Cowboys Try Again To Turn Back Iowa

The circumstances are eerily similar for Oklahoma State.

Just like a year ago, the Cowboys are ranked No. 1 and coming off an overpowering season heading into this weekend’s NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

But unlike last year, when Iowa muscled past them before a partisan crowd to win its sixth title in seven years, the Cowboys say they are prepared.

“No question, we’ve had a good year,” Cowboys coach John Smith said. “We had a good dual season, we had a Big 12 tournament that was one of our better ones in the last few years and I think we’re going in well prepared and individually looking for high honors.”

Iowa has a solid core returning from last year’s team that set meet records with 170 points. Three of the champions are back: Mark Ironside (134), Joe Williams (158, now at 167) and Lee Fullhart (190).