Hall of Fame
Dominating Northern Illinois mat icon in College Division era. First Huskie (1) major-college wrestling All-America (1960), (2) NCAA Division I National Champion (1960), (3) two-time national kingpin (1960-61), (4) four-time All-America (1958, 1960-61), and (5) Midlands titlist (1963). Recorded 60-5-0 career NIU won-lost-draw record (.923 pct.) with 42 pins in 65 "documented" matches (1957-61). Capped 18-0-0 junior campaign with 11 pins and five straight wins (three via fall) for NCAA Division I title at 177 pounds (1959-60). Posted all NIU team points at NCAA in 1959 (two) and 1960 (17 for 10th in nation). Gained NAIA crown at 177 with three triumphs (two via fall and 10-0 win in finale) as senior (1960-61). Placed second (1959) and third (1958) at 177 in NAIA meet. Fell in first round of 177 wrestlebacks at NCAA (1959). Only wrestler in IIAC history to win four weight classes?177 (1958), 167 (1959), heavyweight (1960), and 191 (1961). Named IIAC Outstanding Wrestler three times (1958, 1960, 1961). Pinned Southern Illinois Hall of Famer Houston Antwine (6-1, 270-pound seven-time All-AFL DT with Boston Patriots) in 2:00 for IIAC Hwt. crown (1960). Two-time Wheaton Invitational champ at 167 (1959) and 177 (1960). Named U. S. Pan Am (1959) and Olympic (1960) team alternate. Inducted into Illinois Wrestling HOF (1975) and served as IHSA Individual Tourney Grand Marshal (1989). Won Far West and West Coast Armed Forces mat titles in U. S. Army tour. IHSA 165-pound runner-up at Chicago Schurz (1951).
