Building a Wrestling Dynasty: can OU/Missouri Become the Next Great College Rivalry?
Table of Contents
A compelling new rivalry in collegiate wrestling could be on the horizon, with advocates suggesting a focused effort too elevate matchups between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and the University of Missouri to the level of iconic sports clashes like OU/Texas in football.
the Power of Rivalry in College Sports
Rivalries are a cornerstone of the college sports experience, injecting heightened drama and fan engagement into otherwise standard competitions. From the Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas to the storied battles between Michigan and Ohio State, thes matchups transcend mere games; they represent tradition, pride, and often, decades of competitive history. “They all have an additional meaning and emphasis compared to other matchups in sports,” one observer noted.
A Void in Wrestling Rivalries
While football boasts several established rivalries, the world of collegiate wrestling lacks a consistently dominant head-to-head competition. The absence of a wrestling program at the University of Texas, a key rival for OU in football, creates a unique opportunity. As one source pointed out, “Unfortunately, that’s not an option for wrestling as Texas doesn’t have a program.” This gap has sparked discussion about forging a new rivalry,and Missouri has emerged as a prime candidate.
Why OU and Missouri? A History of Competition
The potential for an OU/Missouri rivalry isn’t entirely new. The two universities share a history as former members of the Big 8 and Big 12 conferences, continuing to compete within the Big 12 today. This shared past provides a foundation for building a competitive narrative. While existing rivalries exist for both programs – OU’s “Bedlam” series with Oklahoma state and Missouri’s historical “Border War” with Kansas – these may not fully satisfy the need for a dedicated wrestling rivalry. notably, Kansas and Arkansas, conventional rivals for Missouri, do not currently field wrestling programs. Illinois does, and regularly schedules duals with Missouri, but isn’t seen as a natural, high-stakes opponent.
A Blueprint for Success: Branding and Investment
The key to establishing OU/Missouri as “THE” wrestling rivalry, as proponents suggest, lies in deliberate branding and investment. The model for success is clear: emulate the intensity and fan engagement seen in other iconic rivalries. “Build it up. Make it what Iowa is to Oklahoma State. Ohio State to Michigan, Army to Navy. What OU/Texas are in football,” a source stated.
This includes:
- Establishing a championship Identity: Branding key matchups as the “SEC Championship” could elevate their meaning.
- Securing Sponsorship: Attracting a title sponsor would provide financial support and further legitimize the rivalry.
- Creating a Tradition: Introducing a traveling trophy would add a tangible symbol of victory and fuel competitive spirit.
- Fan Engagement: Actively promoting the rivalry to fans is crucial for driving attendance and building excitement.
The Attendance Factor: Rivalries Drive Revenue
The economic impact of strong rivalries is undeniable. Examples abound of rivalries boosting attendance figures: Oklahoma State’s duals against Iowa, Iowa State’s against Northern Iowa, Ohio State’s against Michigan, and NC State’s against North Carolina all saw increased attendance when these rivals faced off. The Army/Navy rivalry consistently draws large crowds, demonstrating the power of tradition and competition.
A Promising Future for OU Wrestling
While building a rivalry from the ground up won’t be easy, the potential benefits for both OU and Missouri wrestling programs are notable. A focused effort to cultivate this competition could attract more fans, generate revenue, and elevate the profile of collegiate wrestling in the region. As one analyst concluded, “It’s probably not easy to do, but it’s something I think could do a lot for OU wrestling as they move forward.”
