Hall of Fame
Punishing Northern Illinois All-America mat practitioner. Described as one of best conditioned student-athletes along with national champion Roy Conrad during 12-year heyday of Huskie wrestling program which produced five national kingpins, seven NIU Athletics Hall of Famers, and 11 All-America picks under Hall of Fame coaches Bob Brigham (1956-60, 1962-68) and John Wrenn (1960-62). Became only third two-time mat All-America in school history behind Conrad (1959-60) and Bill Young (1964-65). Competed in NCAA College Division Championships three straight years (1963-65). Finished as NCAA runner-up at 177 pounds as senior and placed fourth nationally in same bracket as junior. Missed NCAA title by whisker in 3-3 overtime match decided by referee's decision (1965). Advanced to NCAA finals with three straight triumphs including two others in OT (1965). Named Most Valuable Wrestler in back-to-back Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference meets (1963-64). Dominated IIAC 177-pound class with three straight league crowns (1963-65). Posted 29-6-0 career won-lost-draw record in duals and 42-12-1 mark overall (1961-65). Won at least 16 of 42 career triumphs via fall (38.1 percent). Two-time Northern Illinois captain (1963-65). Placed second at 177 in college debut in Illinois Invitational (1962-63). Repeated runner-up finish at 177 in Coast Guard Academy Invitational (1963-64). Lettered on 4-0-1 JV football squad (1961). Voted Riverside-Brookfield High Athlete of Year as senior (1960-61).
