https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1291-the-documentary-podcast-61342614/episode/heart-and-soul-wrestling-for-redemption-201704993/
Dan Russell story, a podcast recently aired on BBC. Interesting story, about 26 minutes long. I was out of the wrestling loop mid-80s-mid through the 90s and would be interested in some Dan Russell stories. Enjoy.
Gambatte!
Billy Stuart, Lehigh, 1965 NCAA Champ (137 lbs), transferred from Brown University.
Greg Ruth, Oklahoma U, 2x NCAA Champ (‘65, ‘66), transferred from Lehigh after a stint in the Army
Eddie Eichelberger — Granby HS/Lehigh Univ., 2x NCAA champ, OW. Only loss at NCAAs was to Myron Roderick in the 1954 finals.
https://nwhof.org/hall_of_fame/bio/2269
Greg Ruth
From high school in PA, to Lehigh for two seasons, to four years in the United States Army, then two years at Oklahoma Univ., Greg Ruth forged a memorable record as a wrestler. He competed for the US in the 1960 and 1964 Olympics and was a 2x was NCAA champion for Oklahoma in 1965 and 1966.
Morgan State schedule: https://morganstatebears.com/sports/wrestling/schedule
Challenging schedule to be sure including Princeton in mid-January.
A few years ago when UNC wrestled Princeton at Jadwin, Quincy and Kennedy Monday were designated captains and meet at the center of the mat for the coin toss. It was a memorable brotherly moment. Perhaps we’ll see coaches Monday vs Monday for a ceremonial handshake.
The Morgan State schedule does not indicate a conference tournament for the upcoming season but if they do join the EIWA it would make even 16 man brackets.
Great stories. Thanks! Way back in the 60s Marty Wiiligan, Hofstra was a 2-time NCAA All American including runner-up to Dan Gable in ‘69. Willigan was deaf and went on to a long, successful career coaching at Gallaudet University.
One of the proudest honors of my wrestling accomplishments was coaching a blind wrestler here in New Hampshire. Cory Wilkins was a two time state place winner.
Reading the story of Stephon Breedlove made my day today.
You may recognize “John Meeks” from the 2017 Iowa State roster https://cyclones.com/sports/wrestling/roster/john-meeks/8762
However, the BBCC AD John Meeks is not the same https://www.bbccvikings.com/inside-athletics/bios/John_Meeks
This John Meeks has quite a basketball resume so kudos to him for his enthusiastic support of the growth of the wrestling community.