A major shuffle in the wrestling world has placed programs like Penn State and Oklahoma State under the microscope, especially with recent high-profile transfers and coaching shifts. One of the most talked-about moves is Thomas Gilman’s return to Penn State after a brief stint with the Cowboys.
Gilman, who had previously been part of the Penn State program, reflected on his return by saying, “That door opened back up, and I wasn’t sure it was ever going to… They opened that door back up, and I’m not going to let them down again.”
But what led to his sudden exit from Oklahoma State?
In a candid interview with Justin Basch, Thomas Gilman shared the core reason: “It was fast… that’s probably the genesis of everything.” The quick nature of the original decision, made when he admitted he wasn’t in the best headspace, set the tone for what followed.
As time went on, internal friction became harder to ignore. “Things weren’t addressed… and it just wasn’t going to work,” he said. While Gilman took responsibility for his part, he also emphasized mutual accountability, suggesting that the dysfunction wasn’t one-sided.
The turning point came when he realized that professional cooperation had reached its limits. “When you’re around people that you can’t work with, you can’t work with them,” Thomas Gilman stated plainly. Though he made efforts to make things work, unresolved issues within the staff ultimately pushed him toward the exit.
Still, Gilman insists there’s no lingering animosity: “No hard feelings really, I don’t think, on either side… You can have a disagreement and move on and still be fine.”
Thomas Gilman’s departure underscores the importance of alignment within a coaching team. As Penn State and Oklahoma State continue to trade talent — with names like Alex Facundo, Gary Steen, and Zack Ryder switching sides — Gilman’s move is more than just a coaching change. It’s a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that can shape the direction of powerhouse programs.
David Taylor draws in overseas talent to strengthen the team post Thomas Gilman’s exit
With all the current reshuffles and new additions to the team, David Taylor has decided to take a bold move by drawing overseas talent into the team. For the sake of the Cowboys’ performance and to boost it up even further to prepare for a more brutal fight, he has decided to add some French flavor to the team by bringing in French star Zoheir El Ouarraqe to bring some fresh vibes and tactics to the team.
By teaming up with Zo, Taylor is positioning himself to shake it up for the Cowboys’ approach and challenge on the mat better and bigger. Zo brings unique techniques and strategies to the team because he is a one-of-a-kind stalwart in the wrestling community. It’s expected to significantly impact the team’s performance after Zo’s addition to the team.
It’s safe to say that the new addition isn’t just to expand the roster here; it is all about elevating the quality of the game and the existing wrestlers with some global expertise. While the Cowboys already have David Taylor leading them, Zo’s fresh perspective on the table is setting the sights on redefining what it means to be at the top.
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