Get to Know the Sooners: Willie McDougald

At Oklahoma, we want our fans to connect with our student-athletes on and off the mat. As a result, we'll be doing a "Get to Know Our Sooner Wrestlers" segment in our newsletters. In this edition, you'll get to know 2022 Big 12 runner-up Willie McDougald.

Question: What's your background off the mat? Where are you from? What's your family like?

Answer: I'm from Niagara Falls, a small town in western New York. It wasn't the best environment for kids like me who were growing up just trying to change their family's lives and live out his dreams, but I've got a very supportive family who did absolutely everything they could for me to be successful. My parents are incredible, amazing people who sacrificed so much for me and I could literally never repay them for everything they've done for me.

Q: How did you get into wrestling?

A: My grandfather actually got me into wrestling and he wanted me to start when I was like three years old, but my dad didn't think it was a good idea because he never wrestled or knew anyone that did. But my grandpa watched a bunch of practices and started coaching youth wrestling, so he just wanted someone in his family to do it. Sadly, my grandfather passed away a few months after I started, but then my dad came around and got me back into the sport. I wrestle in honor of my grandfather who really wanted me to be great, and I just excelled from an early age.

Q: What about wrestling makes you love the sport?
A: Wrestling has molded me into who I am. The sacrifice, dedication and hard work I gave to the sport and went through as a young kid helped me mature so much earlier than my peers; it helped me stay away from the wrong things in a rough environment where everyone was choosing to do the wrong things. The sport has given me so much.

Q: When did you really start to take wrestling seriously and realize you could be pretty good?
A: I am a two-time New York state champ and was a high school national finalist. I was ranked 15th in the country coming out of high school, so I knew I had a chance to be good. Then I got here and I was a Big 12 finalist as a freshman and went to nationals. I'm excited to take that next step now.

Q: How did you end up at Oklahoma?

A: Honestly, Oklahoma was just the right place for me. I knew that I wanted to wrestle in college and I wanted to go where my parents wouldn't have to pay a penny. Oklahoma gave me the best opportunity to do that and chase my dreams. I really had no idea that I'd end up in Norman two months prior to my commitment, but when I got here and got to understand the culture and history of OU wrestling, I started to take a lot of pride in being here. Every time I step out on the mat, I cherish the chance to represent Oklahoma. I love Sooner Nation and everything about being a Sooner because this is my second home now.

Q: What are you enjoying the most so far about wrestling for Coach Kish and his staff?
A: I love wrestling so much. I'm honored to have learned from my past coaches and now I've got a couple more wrestling geniuses to learn from. I'm going to use Coach Kish and the other coaches to the best of my ability to get better every day. I'm confident that with whoever is in my corner that they'll put me in the best position to win and I'm so grateful for that.

Q: What can OU fans expect when they see you on the mat?

A: When Sooner fans see me on the mat, they should expect to see someone who will compete passionately. I want people to be excited to see me step out and do what I love. I'm going to fight with everything I've got every single time I wrestle.

Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: My goal for this season is to compete to the best of my ability in every match. I know that if I do that, I can win against anyone. I'm one of the best in the country and I know that I can beat anyone that I step on the mat with. My goal is to be a Big 12 and national champion and I expect nothing but the best of myself.

Q: Why should fans be excited about this new era of OU Wrestling?

A: People need to be excited about this season. We have so much talent that it will shock people when we go and compete. We work really hard and know that people are trying to count us out, so we are ready to prove to the world that Sooner Wrestling is back to its winning culture.

Q: Alright, Willie, now for some rapid-fire fun questions. Favorite Norman restaurant?

A: The Garage. The Theta Burger there is money, definitely recommend it.

Q: What's your favorite sport other than wrestling?

A: My favorite sport other than wrestling is definitely football. If I had a few more inches of height, I'd be in the NFL for sure.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: My favorite movies are Bad Boys I and the Lion King.

Q: Favorite athlete?

A: Kobe Bryant, definitely.