Nov. 19, 2003

Head Coach Brian Smith

On the season:

"I believe this team can finish anywhere in the top Ten in the nation. Their goal is to finish at the top. We'll take it one meet at a time and just see how things work out. We're anxious to get going with the season, and looking forward to meeting up with Big 12 competitor Oklahoma State. They're a good team with a lot of talent, but I think we should be able to match them in every weight class. We've had some solid practices and I think the fans will notice that when we open the dual Friday night."

On the strength of the team:

"This is the most talented team I've had since I started here six years ago. The men are great and will go out and compete with anyone. We have a lot of experience in our practice room, and our team competes day in and out against some of the toughest wrestlers in the nation."

Redshirt Freshman Ben Askren (174):

On season goals for the team:

"Hopefully this season holds a lot of good things for us. We have enough talent to win Nationals, we've just got to put it all together."

On personal goals:

"My ultimate goal for the season is to win Nationals, every other match is preparation for that."

NCAA Qualifier Senior Jeremy Spates (149):

On opening the season against Oklahoma State:

"I was surprised when I saw them on the schedule. It's a big one right at the beginning but it's OK, we have a long season ahead of us."

On the season prospectus:

"We've got four months until Nationals and we've been training for two months. The team goal is to be a National championship team, and we're going to work hard to get there."

Junior All-American Tyron Woodley (165):

On the biggest competition in the Big 12:

"Our biggest competition in the Big 12 is Oklahoma State, without a doubt"

On personal goals for the season:

"I'm looking to do much of the same stuff that I did last year. I'd like to win a Big 12 championship again and make a run at the NCAA championship."