Oklahoma State University is moving forward with plans to build a $20 million wrestling training facility named for former Cowboys coach John Smith, with more than $13.8 million already committed through private donations. The proposed John W. Smith Wrestling Training Facility would rise on the north side of the OSU Athletics Center in Stillwater, giving the nation’s most decorated wrestling program a dedicated new home to train in.
According to fox23.com, the facility is expected to cover more than 16,000 square feet, including more than 10,000 square feet of mat space featuring six mats. Plans also call for grandstand seating, meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, and a strength and conditioning area, the station reports. The space is designed to support Oklahoma State’s varsity wrestlers as well as athletes competing through the Cowboy Regional Training Center.
Construction is expected to begin once the full $20 million in funding is secured, the outlet notes, meaning the project’s timeline still hinges on donors closing the remaining gap. A ceremonial groundbreaking had been scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday on the north side of Gallagher-Iba Arena, per the same account.
Naming Honors a Wrestling Dynasty
Oklahoma State intends to name the facility after John Smith to recognize his legacy and give future Cowboys expanded training space, the station’s report states. The university’s athletic department has leaned on the program’s championship pedigree while making its case to donors. OSU Wrestling has won 34 national team championships, the most of any NCAA program across all sports and divisions, according to Oklahoma State University Athletics…