DAKE VS. TAYLOR
Two NCAA Champions. Two Olympic Medalists. One Epic Rivalry.
From College Rivals to Business Partners
The Kyle Dake vs. David Taylor rivalry is one of the greatest in college wrestling history. Two generational talents, competing at the same time, pushing each other to new heights. Their battles on the mat were legendary—but their story doesn't end there.
Today, Dake and Taylor are not just rivals—they're business partners, co-founders of Vitality Wellness Club, and two of the most decorated wrestlers in American history. Both are Olympic medalists, world champions, and continue to compete at the highest level.
This is the story of how respect and competition forged an unlikely partnership.
Two Legendary Careers
Kyle Dake
Cornell University • Team USA
4x NCAA Champion
Only wrestler to win at 4 different weights (141, 149, 157, 165)
2x Olympic Bronze Medalist
Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024 • 74 kg
3x World Champion
2018, 2019, 2021
"The only wrestler in NCAA history to win titles at four different weight classes"
David Taylor
Penn State University • Team USA
2x NCAA Champion
157 lbs (2012, 2014)
Olympic Gold Medalist
Tokyo 2020 • 86 kg
3x World Champion
2018, 2023, 2024
"Olympic gold medalist and one of the most dominant wrestlers of his generation"
We pushed each other to be better. Every match was a battle, and that made us both champions.
The College Battles
Regular Season - January 2012
157 lbs • Penn State vs Cornell
Taylor Wins
The first meeting between these two legends. David Taylor, wrestling in front of his home crowd at Penn State, defeated Kyle Dake in a hard-fought match at 157 lbs.
This loss was a pivotal moment for Dake. It showed him what he needed to work on and fueled his determination to come back stronger.
Big Ten Finals - March 2013
157 lbs • Conference Championship
Taylor Wins
Their second meeting came at the Big Ten Conference Finals. Once again, David Taylor proved to be Dake's kryptonite, defeating him in a close match.
At this point, Taylor had beaten Dake twice. Many questioned whether Dake could overcome his rival.
NCAA Finals - March 2013
157 lbs • Des Moines, Iowa
⭐ THE HISTORIC MATCH ⭐
DAKE WINS 5-4
The match that would define both of their legacies. Kyle Dake, who had never beaten David Taylor, faced him in the NCAA Finals with history on the line.
If Dake won, he would become the first wrestler in NCAA history to win championships at four different weight classes (141, 149, 157, 165 lbs). If Taylor won, he'd be a two-time NCAA champion and would have defeated Dake three times.
In one of the most thrilling matches in NCAA history, Kyle Dake defeated David Taylor 5-4 to complete his unprecedented Four for Four achievement.
Why This Match Matters:
- ✓ Dake's first victory over Taylor after two losses
- ✓ Completed the historic 4x NCAA titles at 4 different weights
- ✓ One of the closest, most intense NCAA finals ever
- ✓ Both wrestlers went on to become Olympic medalists
- ✓ Featured prominently in the "Four for Four" documentary
College Head-to-Head Record
David Taylor Wins
Total Matches
Kyle Dake Wins
David Taylor won their first two meetings, but Kyle Dake won the match that mattered most—the 2013 NCAA Finals, completing his historic Four for Four achievement.
Beyond the Mat: Business Partners
The story of Dake and Taylor doesn't end with college wrestling. After years of competing against each other, these two legends found common ground off the mat.
Today, Kyle Dake and David Taylor are co-founders of Vitality Wellness Club, a wellness business that combines their expertise in nutrition, fitness, and athletic performance.
Their partnership is a testament to the mutual respect they developed through competition. What started as one of the fiercest rivalries in college wrestling became a friendship built on shared values and a commitment to helping others achieve their potential.
Their Continued Excellence
Kyle Dake
- ✓ 3x World Champion (2018, 2019, 2021)
- ✓ 2x Olympic Bronze Medalist (2020, 2024)
- ✓ Competing at 74 kg
- ✓ Still active on Team USA
David Taylor
- ✓ 3x World Champion (2018, 2023, 2024)
- ✓ Olympic Gold Medalist (2020)
- ✓ Competing at 86 kg
- ✓ One of USA's most dominant wrestlers
That match against David Taylor in 2013 was everything. It was the culmination of years of work, and it proved that I could beat anyone when it mattered most.
See the Historic Match in Four for Four
The 2013 NCAA Finals between Kyle Dake and David Taylor is the climax of the "Four for Four" documentary. Watch the full story of how Dake overcame his rival to make history.