Miller Time: How a rivalry changed my life

Photo: Bruce Waterfield, OSU Athletics

Last weekend, I made my way back to Stillwater, Okla., for one of the biggest college duals of the year: Oklahoma State vs. Iowa.


So much history. So much hype. So much intensity.


To me, this dual means more than just a rivalry. It literally shaped my future.


Six years ago, Oklahoma State vs. Iowa was my first wrestling experience, and I have my friend and classmate Alicea to thank for that. She grew up a wrestling fan and her excitement for the matchup is what ultimately convinced me to check it out with her.


Alicea spent most of the dual explaining the rules, and even though I had no idea what was going on, I was hooked. The crowd was absolutely electric. The wrestlers’ laser focus was noticeable. The tension was undeniable.


The Cowboys tied the Hawkeyes, 15-15, and ended Iowa’s 69-match win streak, but the room was filled with dissatisfaction. That made it all the more appealing because I had never seen competitiveness quite like it.


At this point, I had recently been hired by the school newspaper, The O’Colly, as a sports writer. The very next meeting, I asked if I could help cover wrestling. The rest is history.


I went on to work for OSU Athletics the next year, and spent four years as the sports information director for Cowboy Wrestling. Every year, I fell more and more in love with the sport and realized that I wanted to make a career out of this.


So now I’m here at USA Wrestling, living out my dream.


When OSU’s schedule came out a few months ago, I knew there was one dual I couldn’t miss.


Once I bought my plane ticket, I was elated, and I didn’t think I could get any giddier until Sunday morning as I was driving to Gallagher-Iba Arena.


I walked in two hours early and just took in the setting. All the memories of my time in Stillwater came rushing back.


The dual was one to remember. I know that with this job I’m not supposed to be partial to a team, but seeing my alma mater win in such a fashion with almost 8,000 crazed fans was something really special.


It’s crazy to see this whole journey come full circle.


The first time I ever saw two wrestlers step on the mat was as a wide-eyed freshman at Oklahoma State, being introduced to an amazing rivalry between two wrestling dynasties. Now, here I am reflecting on my most recent OSU-Iowa experience as the communications coordinator for USA Wrestling. What a treat!!


Thank you, Alicea. Thank you, Oklahoma State. Thank you, Iowa. And thank you, wrestling.