Days From NCAA Start, David Taylor Focused on Personal Glory While Keeping Oklahoma State Wrestling in Check

David Taylor had a rude awakening after a surprising loss at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. However, this led to another shock for the wrestling community. The 33-year-old decided to retire from the sport after his inner fire dwindled. But Oklahoma State University was on the hunt for a head coach, and surprise! “The Magic Man” was up for the challenge, but there still was one question on everyone’s mind. Is the wrestler done with the sport for good? No, he isn’t—far from it, actually!

After 5 months of staying off the mat, the wrestler is looking to make a triumphant comeback. “When you step away from it, it gives you a different perspective coming into practice, and it just created an energy and excitement that I hadn’t felt — I hadn’t felt that in four years,” he confessed. He will represent the United States in the 92 kg weight class at the 2024 Senior World Championship. The event will take place at the Sports Hall ‘Feti Borova‘ in Tirana, Albania, from October 28 to 31. 

With days to go, David Taylor shared a glimpse of what preparation looks like on his Instagram, captioned, “Day in the life coaching & preparing for the World Championships.” Starting with his morning routine, he eventually drives to the Gallagher-Iba Arena to begin a long day of training. We follow him around as he makes his way to the training area. After a few hours of training, the Magic Man grabs some lunch before he makes his way to the office.

“Take care of some things in the afternoon, and then we have college practice at 2 o’clock,” he stated. We get a glimpse of their team meeting before he takes us to practice with him. After a quick cheer with his team, he’s back home to end his day with his family. However, he makes some time for some bucket golf with his cousins. It all comes down to spending some quality time with his daughters. The Magic Man belts out the lyrics to Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’. 

Given this was his first coaching gig, you’d think making a comeback would not be ideal, right? However, OSU has been as supportive as ever of his decision. In fact, the athletic director, Chad Weiberg, was all for the 33-year-old’s ambitions. “I think it’s a great thing any time that we can put the brand of the programme out in the wrestling world,” he admitted before the World Trials. However, with the NCAA season approaching, is the Magic Man prepared?

David Taylor is pretty fired up about the upcoming season

The Nittany Lion is busy as ever, juggling his personal ambitions along with his head coach responsibilities. But seeing how we’re on the brink of the NCAA season, many were curious about his first lineup. When asked about it, he simply stated, “I think the lineup is pretty straightforward. There’s a few weight classes that are contested – probably a little more than others.” However, he has a plan. “There’s different things that we’re looking at when we put guys in the lineup,” the 33-year-old stated.

Even though he kept the mystery alive, it’s evident that David Taylor is looking forward to the season opener. He also had a message for his team. “Competition can bring the best out in you, and sometimes bring not the best out in you, so we want guys that competition brings the best out in them.” The mystic aside, many wondered what his first gig felt like. “There was a lot of things going on, you know? A lot of moving pieces,” he confessed.

But here’s what we know: some spots in the lineup are already taken. Two names stand out. Troy Spratley at 125 pounds, and Dustin Plott at 184 pounds. However, this still leaves a few spots wide open. OSU has also brought in incredible talent through transfers. Wyatt Hendrickson, Cameron Amine, and Dean Hamiti Jr. are now part of the Cowboys, and they’re looking to win. So, does this mean it’s all smooth sailing under the Magic Man’s leadership?

“We’re really excited about the team that we have now,” David Taylor admitted. Even though things have been great, he’s just as thrilled about the recruiting class. He added, “Just been a lot of momentum around the program in all areas. With the World Championships approaching quicker than ever, the 33-year-old reiterated how the 92 kg weight class is a chockablock of several opportunities. And while winning will be neat, he’s looking forward to having some fun as he represents the nation. Are you excited?