Penn State and Oklahoma State get ready to battle at the NWCA National Duals (Photos/Mark Lundy)What are the five greatest college wrestling programs in the more than 85-year history of NCAA wrestling?
It's a question that could generate some passionate opinions over beers or the internet.
That said, NCAA.com took on the challenge and named college wrestling's all-time greatest programs in a quick, two-minute video posted online this week as part of its "High Five" series.
The NCAA.com video not only names its selections for GOAT mat programs, but also provides a quick, 30,000-foot overview of why each school program made their list. Here's their list and the high points for each program:
5. Penn State: The Nittany Lions won their first NCAA team title in 1953 (hosting the Nationals that year) ... then started racking up the championships a couple years after Cael Sanderson became head coach in 2009. With the former Iowa State four-time champ at the helm, Penn State has won six titles in seven years.
4. Oklahoma: As the NCAA points out, the last time the Sooners won an NCAA mat crown was 1974 ... but the program has a rich legacy of doing well at NCAA championships, having grabbed seven team titles and crowning 67 individual champs. Arguably the most famous: Dan Hodge of the mid-1950s.
3. Iowa State: The Cyclones may have struggled in recent years, but, as with Oklahoma, they can claim a glorious past, securing eight NCAA team titles while placing second at 17 NCAA championships. The most successful Cyclones: the aforementioned Cael Sanderson, and Dan Gable.
2. Iowa: Since winning their first NCAA team championship in 1975, the Hawkeyes have made their presence felt on the mats at the Nationals, winning 23 team titles in that time span. With Dan Gable as head coach, Iowa built a streak of team championships from 1978 through 1986. Over the years, 54 Hawkeyes have won a total of 82 individual titles.
1. Oklahoma State: The stats say so much: 142 individual titles, and 34 team championships. In its brief tribute the legendary Cowboy wrestling program, NCAA.com puts the focus on current head coach (and mat alum) John Smith ... but the man who established the dynasty was none other than Ed Gallagher, who coached the program from the end of World War I to just before the start of World War II.
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