STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State's Nathan Morgan has enjoyed a good deal of success in his wrestling career. A three-time California high school state champion, Morgan has been a key component on two of the Cowboys' unprecedented 34 NCAA title teams.
                  
This year, Morgan looks to etch his name among the list of OSU's 132 individual NCAA champions. A two-time All-American, Morgan took fourth in the 141-pound weight class at NCAAs last year as the Cowboys finished fifth in the team standings.
                  
"We train all year to win that national title and when you don't get it at the end, it is disappointing. This is the year. This will be the year," Morgan said.
                  
As for training, Coach John Smith has pushed his wrestlers farther than any of his teams in the past. A new concept to most wrestlers is the extensive running drills that Smith implemented in the off-season.
                  
"I think the training that Coach Smith has put us through has just been unbelievable this year," Morgan said. "The way he has motivated us and put us through all these running workouts and drills has really stepped up our wrestling. Conditioning has put us where we need to be for this year."
                  
Morgan said the training and extra conditioning will drastically help the squad in its performance, especially in the second half of the season and the training puts the Cowboys a step ahead of the competition. 
 
"It gives us more chances for late takedowns. It keeps our legs fresh and we are able to push it the entire time," Morgan said. "Everything we have done will improve our scoring, especially in the last minutes of the match."
                  
A three-time Big 12 champion and two-time All-American, Morgan is a legitimate contender for an individual NCAA title this year and has already made strides as he sports a 9-1 record with three tech falls and four major decisions.
                  
Getting off to a fast start is exactly what Morgan was looking for heading into the year to help him take a leadership role for the Cowboy newcomers. As a senior, Morgan is well-aware of the expectations placed on him.
                  
"This is my fourth year so I need to be a good example for the new guys. I know the younger guys are looking up to me and I need to step it up and work harder to be that leader," Morgan said. "I think it is good for me because it makes me step it up to show them what they need to do. The freshmen are doing a great job. I couldn't ask for anything better."
                  
Morgan said Smith has prepared he and his teammates and has stressed the fact that they must maintain intensity for a full seven minutes when taking the mat. The Cowboys have one of the toughest schedules in the NCAA, but Morgan welcomes the challenge. 
 
"It is always going to be tough and there are always going to be guys gunning for you, but that is what makes it fun."
 
Morgan and the Cowboys host Oklahoma at 2 p.m. Sunday in Gallagher-Iba Arena.