John Smith the First Oklahoma Sports Heritage Award Winner
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State wrestling head coach John Smith added to his storied career on Monday, as he received the inaugural Oklahoma Sports Heritage Award. The award is sponsored by the Oklahoma Sports Heritage Museum and celebrates both one’s athletic achievement and dedication of community service to the state of Oklahoma.
To receive the award, one must either be born in the state or serve on a team associated with the state of Oklahoma. This year’s inaugural class includes five members and will be announced at a later date.
Coach Smith is a name synonymous with wrestling success. Now in his 33rd year, Smith is Oklahoma State’s all-time winningest’s coach with a dual record of 476-72-6. He has led the Cowboys to five NCAA team championships and 23 conference championships, while earning NWCA National Coach of the Year in 1994 and 2003. Under Coach Smith, Oklahoma State has recorded 131 conference champions, 152 All-Americans and 33 NCAA individual champions.
As a wrestler, Smith was a six-time World Champion at the Senior level, including gold medals at both the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. During his time at Oklahoma State, he was a two-time NCAA individual champion and three-time All-American, while setting a number of program records, including career victories with 152.