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Wittlake’s late season surge provides offensive boost for OSU
by The O'Colly
And OSU is exceeding its preseason expectations. The Cowboys are No. 10 nationally. Albeit, Smith demands more from his wrestlers than a fringe top 10 ranking, he points to the positives, highlighting where the team could have been instead of where it is.
Since the preseason, OSU coach John Smith has used one word to pinpoint his team’s path to success.
“Development.”
Smith believes development will show itself once he sees grit and aggressiveness. He wants to see his wrestlers loathing in anguish after a loss, not casually walking off the mat as they didn’t just drop a bout moments ago.
“I think we’re making progress,” Smith said. “We’re developing like we need to. We’re definitely not where we need to be yet. By no means am I satisfied yet. But I’m seeing the tenacity from some of our guys that I didn’t see in the first of the season. I’m seeing the drive, and I’m seeing more passion.”
But who or what is the driving forces behind this unforeseen success?
Travis Wittlake is one name that comes to mind.
After missing the majority of the 2021-22 season due to an ACL tear in
