Roger Kish eager for Bedlam rivalry with David Taylor, Oklahoma State

Roger Kish was brought to Oklahoma to bring the buzz back to Sooners’ wrestling. Now, he’ll go head-to-head with David Taylor and Oklahoma State as the schools continue Bedlam.

With Oklahoma off to the SEC, the wrestling program stays in the Big 12 and gets to face off against Oklahoma State to continue the epic rivalry. Taylor was just hired by the Cowboys and it was arguably the biggest story this wrestling offseason.

So once Kish and his staff new about Taylor and Oklahoma State coming together, they already prepared for Bedlam.

“Yeah obviously we stay involved and familiar with what’s going on in wrestling and being our in-state rivals obviously, there was a level of interest I think, from everybody in this state,” Kish told On3. “But happy for David and obviously having a support system with John Smith, you know, right around the corner. I think he’s going to be in great shape to have a lot of success and that he’s done a good job here building a staff and creating some excitement and buzz around the state of Oklahoma and nationally. 

“And, you know, I think we’re all excited to see the gains that he’s able to contribute to the state of Oklahoma as a whole and you know, I’m you know, certain that they’re going to have some up and coming success as he continues to lead the Cowboys.” 

The dual meet between the two schools is always must-see television, as well as seeing the dual in person. If Kish and Taylor want to get creative, try to make it the next big outdoor wrestling match at one of the stadiums.

That ought to keep the rivalry steaming hot.

“We’re excited to see and be a part of Bedlam right,” Kish said. “To be able to work together. I’m excited to work with with with David and continuing to build Bedlam and grow and and find creative ways just to get more and more people involved in the state of Oklahoma involved and how we can continue to to make Bedlam just a great rivalry for the state of Oklahoma and all of the communities, so it’s it’s exciting.”

Kish goes into Year 2 with the No. 3 recruiting class in 2024 while Taylor quickly rebuilt the Cowboys through the transfer portal and kept top talent on the team.

Perhaps this could be a great new era of Bedlam when the programs take the mat together.