John Smith to take part in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

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Chris Matthews (Oklahoma State Sports Information)
11/20/2006


Oklahoma State head wrestling coach John Smith will be one of seven Oklahoma celebrities to represent Oklahoma in the Macy¹s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

The float is called "Oklahoma Rising" and Smith will be on it along with World Series hero Joe Carter, Olympic gymnasts Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci, basketball great Wayman Tisdale, BMX legend Matt Hoffman and gospel singer Sandi Patty.

Patty will sing Oklahoma¹s centennial anthem also titled "Oklahoma Rising." The song was co-written by a pair of Oklahomans, Jimmy Webb and Vince Gill.

The float is part of Oklahoma¹s centennial celebration commemorating 100 years of statehood.

Smith won six consecutive world championships, including two Olympic gold medals. He has led his alma mater to the last four NCAA team titles.