STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State wrestling coach John Smith announced the 2009-10 schedule today and as usual, it is loaded with some of the nation's top competition.
After opening the season at the Central Missouri Open on Nov. 15, the Cowboys welcome Arizona State to Gallagher-Iba Arena on Nov. 20 for the first dual of the year. OSU travels to Norman, Okla., for the first of two Bedlam Series duals against Oklahoma on Dec. 1.
A Minnesota team that bears many similarities to Oklahoma State visits Stillwater on Dec. 4. Both teams are loaded with the kind of young talent that could result in a deep run at the NCAA Championships later this season and in the near future as well. After breaking for final exams, the Cowboys travel to California to battle UC Davis on Dec. 18 then go on to Nevada for the Reno Tournament of Champions on Dec. 20.
OSU breaks in the new year on Jan. 2 when Cal Poly visits Gallagher-Iba Arena. From there, the Cowboys hit the road again to compete in the Virginia Duals from Jan. 8-9.
One of the greatest rivalries in college sports is renewed when OSU travels to Iowa City to square off against two-time reigning NCAA champion Iowa on Jan. 16. The Cowboys' last trip to Carver-Hawkeye Arena resulted in a 19-14 OSU victory.
Things don't get much easier for the Cowboys when Iowa State visits Stillwater on Jan. 24. The Cyclones have been in the mix for the NCAA team title each of the last two seasons and return almost everyone this year.
From there, Oklahoma State hits the road again to square off against both Northern Colorado and Wyoming on Jan. 29. The Pokes battle the Bears in Greeley, Colo., at 1 p.m. CT then pack into the bus and drive to Laramie, Wyo., to square off against coach Mark Branch's up-and-coming Wyoming squad at 8 p.m. that same day.
A Feb. 4 date with Northern Iowa follows, but the site and time of that dual is to be announced as Oklahoma State University coordinates Condoleezza Rice's visit to campus that same day. The Cowboys' final true road date of the year is Feb. 7 when they take on a Missouri team that has emerged as a legitimate Big 12 threat in recent years.
Following their date with the Tigers, the Cowboys won't leave the state of Oklahoma again for more than a month, as OSU hosts Nebraska on Feb. 12, Binghamton on Feb. 19 and Oklahoma for the second of two Bedlam Series duals on Feb. 21.
The 2010 Big 12 Championships are set for March 6 at McCasland Fieldhouse in Norman with the NCAA Championships scheduled for March 18-20 at the Qwest Center in Omaha.
