Greatness. When it comes to wrestling, greatness has been bred in the Midwest.    Oklahoma State, Iowa, Iowa State, Oklahoma and now Minnesota have produced not only some of the greatest college wrestling teams in history, but also some of the greatest individual wrestlers in both college and international competition, such as John Smith and Dan Gable.    But how is the greatest college team in history defined?    The two most common arguments are for the 1996-97 Iowa team and the 2000-01 Minnesota team.    The 1996-97 Iowa squad had six NCAA finalists, five of whom were NCAA champions: Jessie Whitmer (118 lbs.), Mark Ironside (134), Lincoln McIlravy (150), Joe Williams (158) and Lee Fullhart (190). But, it was not the champions that made this a great team. Instead, it was the total of eight All-Americans in their lineup.    That squad was one of the hardest-working teams in NCAA history. They were coached by the legendary Dan Gable in what would turn out to be his last season on the bench. This team belonged just as much to Kasey Gillis, Mike Uker, Tony Ersland and Wes Hand as it did anyone else, and that made their accomplishments even more special.    The more recent Gopher team accomplished one thing that no Iowa squad ever could. They had 10 wrestlers earn All-American status. It was unprecedented, except for one thing. That Gopher squad had no NCAA finalists.    Was this a sign of team unity and overall strength up and down the lineup, or was it a weakness that set them apart from the rest?    The argument since the Gophers posted 10 All-Americans was which team would win in a dual meet?    While it is nearly impossible to prove that theory without the use of a video game that lets fans select old-school teams with secret codes, it would be hard to say that Iowa is not the better team. In fact, with six finalists, that Hawkeye squad would automatically be favored at six weights.    But let's fast forward to this season and to one team in particular. It is not Iowa and it is not Minnesota. It is a team that many thought would be battling for second or third place. Again.    That team is Oklahoma State. The most historic program in college wrestling. The program with 30 NCAA team titles and numerous All-Americans to boast. The program that was home to possibly the most famous wrestling family in the nation - the Smith family.    John captured six consecutive World and Olympic gold medals. Pat became the first college wrestler to win four NCAA individual titles. Lee Roy won an NCAA title in 1980. Mark was a three-time NCAA All-American. All four were Cowboys.    But this year, the squad is different. There are no family members wrestling. In fact, it may be the most diverse group of wrestlers in the nation. There are wrestlers from New Jersey, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Idaho, California and Washington on the roster.    But the key is, they wrestle and train like a family.    Arguably, this could be the best college wrestling team ever. All ten of the starters should qualify for the NCAA Tournament, barring injury. Eight of those wrestlers have legitimate chances to place in the top four in the nation in March. All eight could also be NCAA champions.    Granted, it would not only be unprecedented for eight wrestlers to be in the NCAA finals, but with Oklahoma State's recent history at the NCAA Tournament, it is questionable to even have that thought.    Year after year, an Oklahoma State team has shown up to the NCAA Tournament as a strong contender to come away with the team title, and year after year, they have disappointed. At the 2000 NCAA Tournament in St. Louis, Mo., the Cowboys put eight wrestlers in the quarterfinal round, only to be run out of the building on day two.    But the coaching staff and the wrestlers feel that this squad is different.    Coaches have laid off the wrestlers in the practice room, giving them breaks and letting injuries heal properly. They have decided that winning every match of every dual meet is not as important. Numerous times this season, the Cowboys have used backup wrestlers at 125, 133, 141, 149 and 174 lbs., giving breaks to potential NCAA champions.    But the key is that the coaching staff has let their wrestlers do what they do best: wrestle. Coaches haven't forced a different style onto this crop, but instead let them wrestle how they are comfortable.    John Smith may yank his hair out when Zack Esposito wrestles, but he knows that the true freshman is something special. He knows that the only way Esposito will be as dominant as he can be is to let him wrestle his style, not the Smith style. Three years ago, things may have been different.    This year's Oklahoma State squad has the opportunity to do something special. This squad wants to be able to add another trophy to Heritage Hall in Gallagher-Iba Arena. These wrestlers want to feel the same joy that generations of Cowboys have felt before them. This team is hungry.    Oklahoma State put its stamp on the 20th century, winning 30 NCAA team titles. They were the New York Yankees of college wrestling. But now, this program wants to dominate the 21st century as well. Does this team have what it takes to be the greatest team ever?    Only time will tell.    Note: The Center Circle will appear on TheMat.com on Thursdays.