Thomas Gilman Reflects on Return to Penn State After Leaving Oklahoma State
Wrestling standout Thomas Gilman has announced his decision to step away from his coaching position at Oklahoma State University and rejoin the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club at Penn State. After spending a year on staff in Stillwater, Gilman is returning to familiar territory—one he once considered a vital part of his personal and professional growth. His announcement came during a candid interview on the Baschamania podcast, where he offered insight into the reasons behind his move and what the future holds for him in State College.
Decision-Making and the Oklahoma State Experience
When asked to elaborate on his departure from Oklahoma State, Gilman was open about the complexities surrounding the move. Reflecting on the decision to initially join the Oklahoma State coaching staff, he admitted that it happened quickly—perhaps too quickly. “The decision in the first place…was fast,” he said. “And that’s probably the genesis of everything.” He acknowledged that from the moment he arrived in Stillwater, certain tensions began to surface. Although he did not go into specific details, Gilman implied that there were mutual differences between him and the program, saying, “Were they with me? Were they with the staff? I think that everybody is at fault.”
Rather than casting blame, Gilman took a mature and diplomatic approach to the situation. He emphasized that no one individual was solely responsible for the fallout. “I’m not going to point fingers…I think that it was mutual,” he stated. Importantly, he made it clear that there was no lingering resentment between him and the Oklahoma State program. “There are no hard feelings…You can have a disagreement and move on, and still be fine.”
While he may not have found the ideal fit at Oklahoma State, Gilman doesn’t view the experience as a failure. Instead, he sees it as a learning moment that helped him reflect on what he truly values in a coaching and training environment.
Rejoining Penn State and Looking Ahead
Gilman now looks forward to returning to State College, where he’ll take on a coaching role with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club (NLWC). This is not unfamiliar ground for him, as he had previously trained and competed under the NLWC banner, even earning accolades on the world stage while representing the program. His return marks a homecoming of sorts, to a place that clearly still holds personal and professional significance.
Interestingly, while coaching will be a major focus, Gilman made it clear that his competitive wrestling career is not officially over. In the same interview, he shared that discussions with Penn State’s head coach Cael Sanderson and assistant coach Cody Sanderson included the possibility of him stepping back onto the mat. “I’ve had those conversations with Coach Cody and Coach Cael,” he said, noting their full support for whatever direction he chooses to pursue. “If I want to just do the coaching thing…great, or if I want to jump back on the mat and compete, that’s awesome too.”
This flexibility seems to have been a major draw in his decision to return to Penn State. Gilman expressed gratitude for the opportunity, admitting that he wasn’t sure the chance to rejoin the NLWC would ever come again. “That door opened back up and I wasn’t sure it was ever going to…They opened that door back up and I’m not going to let them down again.”
Context and Career Reflections
Thomas Gilman’s journey through the wrestling world has been nothing short of remarkable. A world silver medalist and Olympic bronze medalist, he has competed at the highest levels while representing Team USA. His competitive tenacity and deep understanding of the sport have made him not just a formidable wrestler, but a valuable asset as a coach and mentor.
His initial move to Oklahoma State was seen as a significant opportunity, both for him and for the Cowboys program. However, as is often the case in high-stakes athletic environments, not every match is perfect. The transition didn’t provide the alignment he hoped for, but rather than burn bridges, Gilman is choosing to build new ones back at Penn State.
Those who’ve followed his career closely understand that Gilman’s return to the NLWC is not just about comfort—it’s about synergy. He thrives in an environment that balances high performance with personal relationships, and by all accounts, State College offers that balance. The program’s track record of supporting both athletes and coaches in their evolving journeys aligns well with Gilman’s multifaceted ambitions.
Community and Future Aspirations
Gilman’s return is also being welcomed by fans and fellow wrestlers, many of whom see it as a reunion that strengthens the NLWC’s already formidable lineup. Whether or not he decides to compete again, his presence will be a major boost to the club’s culture and performance.
He has also spoken about the importance of contributing to a program that has given him so much over the years. With a mix of humility and determination, he said, “I’m not going to let them down again.” That kind of personal accountability speaks volumes about his character and commitment—not just to the sport, but to the people and institutions he represents.
In the ever-changing world of wrestling, where careers can take unexpected turns, Gilman’s story is one of adaptation, growth, and the importance of finding the right fit. It’s clear that his next chapter at Penn State isn’t just a return—it’s a renewal.
As he settles back into life in State College, Thomas Gilman brings with him not only experience but a reinvigorated sense of purpose. Whether mentoring the next generation of elite wrestlers or stepping back onto the mat himself, one thing is certain—his journey is far from over, and the wrestling world will be watching.
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