Hall of Fame
"Father of DeKalb wrestling." Left distinct imprint on sport for six decades. Enshrined into four HOFs?(1) IWCO (1977), (2) NIU (1990), (3) DeKalb High School Wall of Fame (1994), and (4) National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2001). Recipient of National Wrestling Coaches Association 25-Year Service Award (1979), Presidential Citation from Ronald Reagan (1988), and NWHOFM "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award (2001). Named "Grand Marshal" for IHSA finals (1987). Served as director of U. S. Olympic Freestyle and Greco-Roman Training Camp at NIU (1976). Compiled 311-119-14 won-lost-tie dual mark at DHS (1954-68) and NIU (1968-86) in 32-year tenure. Originated Barb program (1954-55). Directed DHS to 13 straight winning seasons, 10 District titles, three Sectional crowns, two league diadems, plus IHSA championship (1968). Voted IHSA (1968) and MAC (1976, 1985) Coach of Year. Moved to alma mater (1968-69). Became winningest mat boss (160-82-12 record) with 14 winning seasons in 18 years. Tutored four All-Americas Wes Caine (sixth in NCAA at 123 pounds in 1968-69), Larry Johnson (fifth in NCAA at 158 in 1971-72), Johnny B. Johnson (second in NCAA at 190 in 1972-73), and Mark Tiffany (sixth in NCAA at 190 in 1974-75). Coached 19 MAC individual titlists and 36 NCAA qualifiers. Won MAC team crown by 40 points with six NCAA entries (1985). Placed 13th (1971-72) and 24th (1972-73) in NCAA meet. Medic in U. S. Army (1951-52). Lettered in wrestling (3). Two-time NIU grad. Blue Island (IL) High product (Deceased).
