Hall of Fame
Initiated long and distinguished run of Northern Illinois mat All-America picks. Became program's first national wrestling champion and All-America selection as sophomore for Hall of Fame head coach Bob Brigham (1957-58). Completed career with outstanding 53-6-3-17 won-lost-draw-pin record (1956-60). Lost only twice during first two Huskie campaigns (or in 36 matches during 1956-58). Finished with 18-1-2-7 overall standard including three straight triumphs in 123-pound weight class en route to NAIA (College Division) Championships crown at Mankato (MN) in second year (1957-58). Reached IIAC individual finals for three consecutive winters. Produced 17-2-0-8 overall record and captured 115-pound league diadem with two pins (4:35 and 7:59), plus a 5-0 success in title match as junior (1958-59). Posted runner-up IIAC finishes in 123-pound bracket as frosh and soph. Earned Wheaton Invitational crowns at 123 (1956-57) and at 115 (1958-59). Made collegiate debut with 14-1-0-0 ledger as freshman (1956-57). Sidelined for NAIA Championships by knee injury as junior. Recorded 4-2-1-2 record and served as NIU captain during abbreviated senior year (1959-60). Competed on Huskie squads that compiled composite 37-12-3 won-lost-tie record in duals, went 11-0-0 as frosh, and took duals vs. Notre Dame (1956-57), Northwestern (1957-58, 1958-59), Kansas State (1958-59), Iowa State (1958-59), and Ohio State (1958-59), plus annexed IIAC team crown (1958-59). Lettered in wrestling (4). East Leyden High product.
