Keegan O’Toole reflects on his journey back to the the top

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou sophomore Keegan O'Toole became the third wrestler in Mizzou wrestling history to win multiple national championships as he knocked off No. 1 seed David Carr of Iowa State in a 8-2 decision to earn his second consecutive title at 165 pounds.

Year two wasn't smooth sailing for O'Toole as he entered the season with a target on his back.

“This year was a lot tougher because obviously I started out as number one in the country," O'Toole said. "Mentally it was a struggle. I didn’t really know what that came with and I expected myself to dominate I was struggling early on."

Before beating Carr in the championship match, O'Toole had lost to him two times beforehand.

“I was glad that I was put on my butt a little bit and was humbled because I learned so many lessons from it," O'Toole said.

“Technique always beats strength and I really believe that the more technical wrestler is going to win the battle and that’s definitely Keegan O'Toole," said head coach Brian Smith.

Now that O'Toole has two titles under his belt, the work isn't done. He'll have two more chances at Mizzou to make it back to the top of the podium.

"You can’t say, oh now I’ve beaten David Carr and now David Carr’s going to take a few months off and not be training. David Carr was probably in the room the next day or that day saying, 'How am I going to beat Keegan O’Toole for the third time," Smith said.

The full story on O'Toole will play Sunday night on Sports Zone at 9:30 p.m. on FOX 22 and 10:30 p.m. on ABC 17.