Hall of Fame
One of four Northern Illinois national champion wrestlers in Hall of Fame. Dominating grappler and key reserve tackle for undefeated Hall of Fame National College Division Champion football team (1963). "Tough, big, strong, and a great technician on the mat," remarked NIU Hall of Fame coach Bob Brigham. Joined national kingpins Roy Conrad, Dale Tessler, and Ray Guzak in HOF. Capped unbeaten 15-0-0 senior year by outscoring the opposition, 28-10, in four consecutive triumphs en route to NCAA Division II heavyweight mat crown and All-America honors at the Colorado School of Mines (1965). The Road to the NCAA title: Opened with 5-1 success over Don Morin (Massachusetts), edged Dave Paasch (Monmouth) by 6-5 margin, topped George Gulyas (Ball State) in semi-finals by 8-3 score, and eliminated Bob Kellogg (MacMurray) via 9-1 triumph for national title (March 12-13, 1965). Ruled Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships heavyweight bracket with pin in 1:35 over Dennis Libke (Western Illinois) and a 3-2 decision over Gary Giardini (Illinois State) (March 5-6, 1965). Won nine regular-season matches six via fall and went perfect 6-0 in post-season (1964-65). Placed third at IIAC meet as junior. Made college debut by finishing fourth at U. S. Coast Guard Invitational at heavyweight (1963-64). Lettered on 7-2 IIAC gridiron champs for Hall of Fame coach Howard Fletcher (1964). NJCAA mat All-America and national runner-up at Joliet Junior College. Three-sport man at Joliet Township.
