By Jenni Carlson
Staff Writer

STILLWATER -- Oklahoma wrestler Michael Lightner had just defeated Oklahoma State's Charles Walker 8-4, won the Big 12 title at 141 pounds and made history, becoming the first wrestler to win four Big 12 wrestling titles and the first Sooner to ever win four conference titles.

Jack Spates' first words to him?

"Don't shut down," the coach told the history-maker. "You've got to finish it."

Not exactly rah, rah.

Lightner wasn't exactly rah, rah either.

"I should have scored more points in the final minute," he said. "I've been concentrating on finishing. I've made some great strides..."

But Walker tied him up as time wound down. Lightner was in a tough spot, a spot that might have put him on his back and cost him the match if not for a few quick counter moves. This match wasn't his best.

"Don't get me wrong," Lightner said. "I'm happy."

But not too happy.

He didn't bearhug his coaches. He didn't kiss his headgear. He didn't rip off his ankle bands and barely let the referee raise his arm and pump his arms as he ran out of the gym.

Some guys did on Saturday afternoon at Gallagher-Iba Arena. They were excited, elated, enthused. They couldn't contain their celebration and their joy.

That's how much winning a conference title means to them.

Think how much winning four means to Lightner.

"It's hard to do," OSU coach John Smith said of being a four-time champ.

Smith didn't do it.

He won two Olympic gold medals, six world championships, five U.S. titles and two NCAA titles. He is in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. He has been called the world's greatest wrestler.

But he didn't win four conference titles.

Neither did Kendall Cross or Kenny Monday while they were at OSU.

Neither did Melvin Douglas or Quincey Clark while they were at OU.

And all of those wrestlers have since been Olympians.

Being a four-time champion in a conference as tough as the Big 12 is rare.

"There's no question that the reason he won four is he goes out and performs," said Smith, who won three Big Eight titles but was a runner-up as a freshman. "He has no fear. He's one of the wrestlers out in the country that I really like watching."

But as good as Lightner has been this season -- 32-0 and second-ranked -- and as good as he has been the last few seasons -- three times an All-American, twice an NCAA finalist -- he never won a national title. He never stood at the top of the awards podium at the NCAA tournament. He never took home that gold medal.

That's why this gold medal doesn't look so shiny.

"The only one that matters is at NCAAs," Lightner said. "My ultimate goal is coming in a couple weeks. It's been a year-long mission.

"I can't let anything throw me off."

Not even celebrating this weekend.

"Michael's goal was not to be the four-time conference champion," Spates said. "His goal is to be the NCAA champion."

Maybe then Lightner will finally rah, rah.