Missouri’s O’Toole embraces renewed focus for the 2024 season

Keegan O'Toole is continuing the 2024 college wrestling season with a renewed sense of focus and a strategic approach to his move up to a new weight class. After four years competing at the same weight, O'Toole is stepping into a new challenge, wrestling at 174 pounds, similar to the weight he competes at in freestyle.

His summer played a crucial role in preparing him for this transition. Earlier in the year, O’Toole suffered a knee injury that threatened to slow him down. Instead, he viewed the situation as an opportunity to refine his style on the mat.

“I’m looking to get better and more precise in certain areas,” O'Toole shared, noting that his goal isn’t to change his whole approach but to add layers of technique that will make him a stronger competitor. O'Toole spent the offseason refining his skills, focusing on hand fighting and shot finishes.

Missouri head coach Brian Smith praised O'Toole's preparation for moving up in weight, emphasizing how his freestyle background has provided a valuable advantage. “Now he’s wrestling at the weight he competed at in freestyle, and he’s just been good, definitely much bigger,” Smith shared.

O’Toole also mentions the impact that mental clarity has on his success, explaining, “Your mind has to be locked in on certain key areas before you can perform well. If your mind is all over the place, you’re just going to be playing catch-up.”

As he builds on his existing strengths and skillset, O’Toole is prepared to take on the challenges ahead.

Check out All Access: Missouri Tigers on the USA Wrestling YouTube page.