After legendary wrestling career, Keegan O’Toole will stay with Mizzou in new role

Keegan O’Toole is one of the most decorated wrestlers in NCAA history. The five-time All-American won two national championships and four Big 12 titles during his five years at Missouri.

On Monday, the Tigers announced the addition of O’Toole as an assistant coach. Head coach Brian Smith expressed appreciation for O’Toole and their time together in a news release.

“Keegan is an exceptional individual with a deep passion for wrestling and coaching,” Smith said. “His dedication to Tiger Style and commitment to training for the Olympics will be incredibly inspiring for the wrestlers around him. Having someone with such a high wrestling IQ and loyalty on our staff will surely be a huge asset.”

O’Toole came up just short of a third national championship, losing to Oklahoma State’s Dean Hamiti in the 174-pound title bout March 22. However, his final season was perhaps his most inspiring. O’Toole tore his ACL midway through the season and fought to get back on the mat.

Now, he’ll have the opportunity to pass some of that resiliency down to younger grapplers.

O’Toole also shared a statement following the news.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity to be able to give back to the program that gave me so much,” the Hartland, Wisconsin, product said. “I can’t wait to be in these guys’ corners, pushing them to be great wrestlers but even more important, great people. Tiger Style is a lifestyle, and I want to help young men embody that.”

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