COLLEGE Action
Top 40:
1. Bruce Baumgartner, Indiana State, 1982
A three-time national nalist, Baumgartner
won the 1982 NCAA championship at
heavyweight with a 4-2 decision over Steve
Williams of Oklahoma. He compiled a perfect
44-0 record as a senior and nished his college
career with a record of 134-12. Baumgartner
would become one of the most accomplished
American wrestlers of all-time, winning two
Olympic gold medals (1984 and 1992), three
World Championships gold medals (1986, 1993,
and 1995), and three Pan American Games gold
medals (1987, 1991 and 1995). Remarkably consistent, durable, and
determined, Baumgartner was the 1995 James E Sullivan award winner as
Outstanding Amateur Athlete in the United States. He placed third at the
1978 New Jersey state tournament for Manchester Regional High School.
2. Dave Schultz, Oklahoma, 1982
From a strong wrestling pedigree, Dave
Schultz was a two-time national nalist,
winning the NCAA crown at 167-pounds in
1982 with a 4-4, 1-1 overtime criteria decision
over Mike Sheets of Oklahoma State. He was
named Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA
Championships that year and also earned
All-American honors at Oklahoma State in
1978. A prodigy with wins over world-class
wrestlers while in high school, Schultz was an
elite technician with amazing mat presence. He
captured gold medals at the 1984 Olympic Games and the 1983 World
Championships. Dave and his younger brother Mark Schultz, both won
gold medals in the same Olympics and captured more NCAA, World,
and Olympic titles than any other brother combination in American
history. Dave claimed a California state crown for Palo Alto High School
and was a 1977 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
3. Kenny Monday, Oklahoma State, 1984
Monday took home the top prize in
collegiate wrestling in 1984, winning the
150-pound national championship with a 7-2
decision over Marty Kistler of Iowa. A three-
time national nalist and two-time Big Eight
Champion, Monday was a methodical wrestler
with a captivating style. He nished his college
tenure with an overall record of 121-12-2. A
two-time Olympic medalist, Monday earned
gold in 1988 in Seoul, Korea and a silver in
1992 in Barcelona, Spain. At the prestigious
World Championships, Monday won a gold medal in 1989 and a silver in
1991. He fashioned one of the most impressive prep careers in the history
of the sport at Tulsa Washington High School, winning four Oklahoma
state titles and compiling an amazing overall record of 140-0-1.
4. Alan Fried, Oklahoma State, 1994
A full-edged star with an indomitable will to
win, Fried became a three-time All-American at
Oklahoma State University, placing second in 1991
and 1992 and winning the NCAA Championship
at 142-pounds in 1994. He defeated Gerry Abas of
Fresno State in the national nals his senior year
in commanding fashion, 15-6. A three-time Big
Eight Conference champion, Fried nished his
college career with an overall record of 129-6. He
won three Ohio state titles for St. Edward High
School and was a 1989 Wrestling USA Magazine
“Dream Team” All-American. An aggressive performer with a variety of
rst-rate techniques, Fried became the rst wrestler to win four Junior
National Freestyle Championships crowns.
5. Wayne Wells, Oklahoma, 1968
As a college wrestler competing for the Sooners,
Wells was a two-time national nalist, winning
the 1968 NCAA title at 152-pounds with an awe-
inspiring 14-4 victory over John Kent of Navy. A
three-time Big Eight Champion, Wells compiled
an overall college record of 69-4-2. He possessed
incredible mental toughness and was physically
dominating. An accomplished international
wrestler, Wells captured gold medals at the 1972
Olympic Games in Munich, Germany and the 1970
World Championships in Edmonton, Canada. He
was a two-time Oklahoma state champion for John Marshall High School.
6. Kendall Cross, Oklahoma State, 1989
Showcasing a creative, wide-open style,
Cross was a fascinating wrestler with great
mat sense, uncanny balance, and unbelievable
determination. He secured the 1989 NCAA title
at 126-pounds with a 5-2 decision over Michael
Stokes of North Carolina State. A two-time Big
Eight Conference champion and three-time All-
American, Cross won a gold medal in freestyle
in heroic fashion at the 1996 Olympic Games in
Atlanta Georgia. He was named USA Wrestling
Athlete of the Year in 1997 and is a former three-
time U.S. Nationals winner. Cross was the 1984 Oklahoma state champion
for Mustang High School.
Best One-Time
NCAA Division I Champions
By Dan Fickel, National Editor
Editor’s Note:
On the pages that follow are one man’s list of the Best One-time NCAA Division I Champions. A Top-40 list is
followed by 40 Honorable Mention wrestlers. Each of the 40 Honorable Mention wrestlers received serious consideration for a Top-40
spot. There have been over 600 wrestlers who have won one NCAA Division I Championship since the tournament was held in 1928. In
determining the list the following factors were considered:
(1) NCAA title bout appearances and multiple placements; (2) Overall college records, including domination and level of competition each
wrestler faced; (3) Quality wins/losses in NCAA tournament action; (4) Post-collegiate success, in particular, medal performances at the
Olympic Games and World Championships; (5) No wrestlers before 1948 were considered because of lack of information and personal
eyewitnesses; (6) All wrestlers listed were at least three-time All-Americans, or otherwise gold medalists at the Olympic Games; (7)
Wrestlers with current collegiate eligibility are excluded. For any corrections, E-mail: d[email protected]
Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020 Page 33
Bruce Baumgartner
Dave Schultz
Kenny Monday
Alan Fried
Wayne Wells
Kendall Cross
COLLEGE Action
7. Larry Owings, Washington, 1970
In one of the biggest upsets in the history
of collegiate wrestling, Owings defeated
two-time previously undefeated NCAA
champion Dan Gable of Iowa State in the
142-pound 1970 national championship nal,
13-11. Owings was unanimously voted the
tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler and with
his stunning upset of Gable, made himself one
of the most talked-about wrestlers for years to
come. A three-time national nalist, Owings
amassed an overall college record of 87-4. He
was a tenacious, thrill-a-minute grappler with great stamina and a
high proportion of falls. Prior to college, Owings won two Oregon
state titles for Canby High School.
8. Joe Heskett, Iowa State, 2002
A four-time All-American and three-time
national nalist, Heskett closed his collegiate
career in grand fashion, winning the 2002
NCAA title at 165-pounds over Matt Lackey of
Illinois, 4-2. Heskett was a three-time Big Eight
Champion and three-time Midlands Champion
who completed his college career with a record of
143-9. He thrived for the fall with the expertise to
put his opponents on their backs in a myriad of
ways. At Walsh Jesuit High School, Heskett won
three Ohio state titles and was a 1997 Wrestling
USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
9. Stan Dziedzic, Slippery Rock, 1971
Dziedzic earned six All-American honors
(3 in NCAA Division II and 3 in NCAA
Division I) while competing for esteemed
Slippery Rock coach Fred Powell. He captured
NCAA Division II Championships crowns
in 1970 and 1971 at 150-pounds and at
158-pounds in 1972. At the NCAA Division
I level, Dziedzic was a two-time nalist,
winning the national crown at 150-pounds in
1971. He completed his college career with
an overall record of 118-2. A bronze medalist
at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Dziedzic won a gold medal
at the 1977 World Championships
.
10. Andy Rein, Wisconsin, 1980
e 1980 NCAA champion at 150-pounds,
Rein captured his title with an undefeated season
record of 40-0. He defeated Scott Bliss of Oregon
in the championship match, 4-2. A three-time
All-American, two-time national nalist, and two-
time Big Ten Champion, Rein nished his college
career with a record of 119-13-1. An accomplished
freestyle competitor, Rein secured a silver medal at
the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and earned
a gold medal at the 1983 Tbilisi Tournament. He
won two Wisconsin state titles for Stoughton High
School was a 1976 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
11. Bill Scherr, Nebraska, 1984
e University of Nebraska’s rst three-time
All-American, Bill Scherr won the 1984 national
championship at 190-pounds with a convincing
13-4 victory over Jim Baumgardner of Oregon
State. Bill was a two-time Big Eight Champion
and nished his college career with a record of
133-18. He earned a bronze medal at the 1988
Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea. At the
highly regarded World Championships, Bill won
a gold medal (1985), two silver medals (1986
and 1989), and a bronze medal (1987). From a
celebrated wrestling family, Bill’s twin brother and teammate, Jim, won
the 1984 NCAA title at 177-pounds. Bill was a two-time South Dakota
state champion for Mobridge High School.
12. Glen Brand, Iowa State, 1948
A ferocious competitor with a reputation
as a pinning specialist, Brand won the 1948
NCAA title at 174-pounds with a victory over
Waldemar VanCott of Purdue. He was a three-
time All-American and two-time national
nalist and completed his college career with a
record of 54-3. Later in 1948, in the crowning
moment of his illustrious career, Brand won a
gold medal at the Olympic Games in London.
He became the rst of ve Iowa State University
wrestlers to capture an Olympic gold medal.
13. Wayne Baughman, Oklahoma, 1962
Well-known for his intensity, physicality, and
superb conditioning, Baughman captured the
1962 NCAA title at 191-pounds with a hard-
fought 2-1 victory over Joe James of Oklahoma
State. He was a three-time national nalist and
two-time Big Eight champion. A three-time
Olympic team member, Baughman accomplished
one of the most unique achievements in the
history of the sport, winning national titles in
four styles of wrestling – collegiate, freestyle,
Greco-Roman, and Sambo. He was an Oklahoma
third-place state medalist in 1959 for John Marshall High School.
14. Coleman Scott, Oklahoma State, 2008
Composed, condent, and a real crowd favorite,
Scott capped his outstanding collegiate career
by winning the 2008 national championship at
133-pounds with a stunning fall in 0:49 over Joey
Slaton of Iowa. A four-time All-American, two-
time national nalist, and two-time Big Eight
Champion, Scott had a college career record of
120-24. He earned a bronze medal at the 2012
Olympic Games in London. Scott won three
Pennsylvania state titles for Waynesburg High
School and was a 2004 Wrestling USA Magazine
“Dream Team” All-American.
15. Kirk Pendleton, Lehigh, 1963
Competing in an era in which freshman were
not eligible their rst year, Pendleton was a
consistent, hard-nosed wrestler with excellent pin
production. He won the national championship
in 1963 at 157-pounds with a workmanlike 5-2
win over Phil Kinyon of Oklahoma State. A
three-time NCAA nalist, Pendleton captured
three EIWA Championships and was named
the meet’s Most Outstanding Wrestler on two
occasions. He compiled a college record of 64-2
and was a perfect 35-0 in dual meet action. As
a prep in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, Pendleton was a two-time National
Prep Champion for the Academy of the New Church.
16. Gene Davis, Oklahoma State, 1966
As a college wrestler competing for legendary
Cowboy Head Coach Myron Roderick, Davis
claimed the 137-pound NCAA title with a 1-1,
3-2 overtime win over in-state rival Mike Sager
of Oklahoma. A three-time All-American
and two-time Big Eight champion, Davis put
together a college record of 62-5-1. He was a
two-time Olympian, winning a bronze medal
at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
Davis fashioned a dominating prep career at
Missoula County High School. He won four
Montana state titles and compiled a awless overall record of 66-0.
Larry Owings
Joe Heskett
Stan Dziedzic
Andy Rein
Bill Scherr
Glen Brand
Wayne Baughman
Coleman Scott
Kirk Pendleton
Gene Davis
Page 34 Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020
17. Duane Goldman, Iowa, 1986
A rare four-time national nalist, Goldman
captured the elusive NCAA title as a senior in
1986 at 190-pounds with a 5-4 decision over
Dan Chaid of Oklahoma. It was a rematch
of the 1985 title bout, won by Chaid, 5-3.
A four-time Big Ten Champion, Goldman
concluded his college career with a record
of 132-10. He combined a tremendous work
ethic with great determination and a unique
set of moves. At Cheyenne Mountain High
School, Goldman was a two-time Colorado
state champion.
18. Doug Blubaugh, Oklahoma State, 1957
While attending Oklahoma A&M (now
Oklahoma State University), Blubaugh captured
the NCAA title at 157-pounds in 1957 with
a solid 9-3 win over Mike Rodriguez of the
University of Michigan. Renowned for his
incredible work habits, strength, and physicality,
Blubaugh was a three-time All-American and
two-time national nalist. He claimed a gold
medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome,
Italy and was recognized as the World’s Most
Outstanding Wrestler. Blubaugh was the 1953
Oklahoma state champion for Ponca City High School.
19. Frank Molinaro, Penn State, 2012
e 2012 NCAA champion at 149-pounds,
Molinaro claimed his title with an undefeated
season record of 33-0. He defeated Dylan Ness
of Minnesota in the championship bout, 4-1.
A four-time All-American, two-time national
nalist, and two-time Big Ten Champion,
Molinaro used technique and raw power to
overwhelm his opposition. An accomplished
freestyle wrestler, Molinaro took h at
the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil. He was a three-time New Jersey state
champion for Southern Regional High School.
20. Lee Roy Smith, Oklahoma State, 1980
Possessing a strong wrestling pedigree, Lee Roy
Smith won the 1980 142-pound NCAA title with
a 10-7 decision over Andre Metzger of Oklahoma.
He was a four-time Big Eight champion and three-
time All-American. His overall record in college
was 114-13-4. A silver medalist at the 1983 World
Championships in Kiev, Ukraine, Lee Roy won
the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials, only to lose his spot
on the team in a prolonged court battle. Along
with his younger brothers, Pat and John, they
earned 7 NCAA individual championships and
10 All-American honors. Lee Roy was a two-time
Oklahoma state champion for Del City High School
21. Andrew Howe, Wisconsin, 2010
An extremely hard worker with a variety
of precision-like techniques, Howe reached
the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling in 2010,
winning the 165-pound national championship
with a 9-3 victory over Dan Vallimont of Penn
State. A three-time national nalist and four-
time All-American, Howe competed at the
University of Oklahoma his senior year aer
three seasons with the Badgers. He won three
Big Ten titles and amassed an overall college
record of 122-10. A two-time U.S. Olympic
Team Trials runner-up, Howe was a three-time Indiana state champion
for Hanover Central High School.
22. Michael Lightner, Oklahoma, 2001
A devastating competitor with outstanding
explosiveness, Lightner claimed the 2001
NCAA title at 134-pounds over Doug
Schwab of Iowa, 5-4. Lightner compiled a
perfect 44-0 record as a senior and nished
his college career with a record of 144-16.
He was a four-time All-American, three-
time national nalist, and a four-time Big
12 Champion. At Marlow High School,
Lightner won four Oklahoma state titles
and was a 1996 Wrestling USA Magazine
“Dream Team” All-American.
23. Jim Heernan, Iowa, 1986
From a prominent wrestling family,
Heernan won the 1986 NCAA title at
150-pounds with a decisive 10-3 victory over
Adam Cohen of Arizona State. A fascinating
attacker who could score points from multiple
positions on the mat, Heernan was a four-
time All-American, three-time national
nalist, and a four-time Big Ten Champion.
He completed his college career with an
overall record of 131-18-2. Heernan was a
two-time Ohio state champion for legendary
St. Edward High School.
24. John Azevedo, Cal State Bakerseld, 1980
Azevedo earned six All-American honors (3 in
NCAA Division II and 3 in NCAA Division I) while
competing for legendary coach Joe Seay. He captured
NCAA Division II Championships crowns in 1978
at 118-pounds and in 1979 and 1980 at 126-pounds.
At the NCAA Division I level, Azevedo was a
three-time nalist, winning the national crown at
126-pounds in 1980 over Jerry Kelly of Oklahoma
State, 17-9. A brilliant technician, capable of big
oensive outbursts, Azevedo concluded his college
career with an overall record of 121-2. He made the
1980 United States Olympic Team, but didn’t get to compete because of the U.S.
boycott of the Games. At Grace Davis High School, Azevedo was California’s
rst-ever two-time state champion.
25. Brad Penrith, Iowa, 1986
e 1986 NCAA champion at 126-pounds,
Penrith secured his title with a 9-4 victory over
Dennis Semmel of Army. A three-time national
nalist and three-time Big Ten Champion, Penrith
was selected as the Most Outstanding Wrestler of
the 1986 Big Ten meet. He enjoyed a great amount
of success at the international level, winning a
silver medal at the 1991 World Championships,
as well as two gold medals at the Pan American
Games. He was the 1981 New York state champion
for Windsor High School.
26. Jayson Ness, Minnesota, 2010
Honored as the Most Outstanding Wrestler
of the 2010 NCAA Championships, Ness won
his title at 133-pounds with a 6-4 decision over
Daniel Dennis of Iowa. An action-packed
performer with a crowd-pleasing, pin-driven
style, Ness was a four-time All-American
and two-time national nalist. He won two
Big Ten Championships crowns and nished
his college career with an overall record of
148-15 and a school record 73 falls. From
an exceptional wrestling family, Ness won
two Minnesota state titles for Bloomington
Kennedy High School and was a 2005 Wrestling USA Magazine
“Academic Team” All-American.
Duane Goldman
Doug Blubaugh
Frank Moltnaro
Lee Roy Smith
Andrew Howe
Michael Lightner
Jim Heernan
John Azevedo
Brad Penrith
Jayson Ness
WrestlingUSA.com
Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020 Page 35
27. Franklin Gomez, Michigan State, 2009
A ashy competitor with outstanding
fundamentals and amazing body control, Gomez
captured the 2009 national championship at
133-pounds with a 5-4 decision over Reece
Humphrey of Ohio State. He was a three-time
All-American and two-time Big Ten Champion.
Representing his native Puerto Rico, Gomez is a
two-time Olympian and earned a silver medal
at the 2011 World Championships in Istanbul
Turkey. He won a Florida state title for famous
Brandon High School and was a 2005 Wrestling
USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
28. Greg Wojciechowski, Toledo, 1971
One of the nation’s all-time best unlimited
wrestlers, Wojciechowski won the 1971 NCAA
Championship with a 5-3 nals victory over
Dave Joyner of Penn State. He placed second
in the nation in 1970 and 1972, losing an epic
battle in 1972 to 415-pound Chris Taylor of
Iowa State. Wojcichowski compiled an overall
collegiate record of 55-2 and was a three-time
Mid-American Conference Champion. An
overpowering performer, Wojciechowski made
the 1980 U. S. Olympic Team, but was unable to
compete, as the United States boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics. He
was a two-time Ohio state champion for Toledo Whitmer High School.
29. Kevin Darkus, Iowa State, 1984
A solid, all-around competitor, Darkus
reached the peak of collegiate wrestling in 1984,
winning the 126-pound national championship
with an exciting 9-6 decision over Joe McFarland
of Michigan. A three-time All-American, two-
time national nalist, and three-time Big Eight
Champion, Darkus recorded a college career
record of 118-12-6. He earned a silver medal
at the 1985 World Championships in Budapest,
Hungary. Darkus won three Pennsylvania state
titles for Erie Cathedral Prep and was a 1980
Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
30. Tom Milkovich, Michigan State, 1972
Fro
m a high-prole wrestling family,
Milkovich captured the national title in 1972
at 142-pounds with a memorable 8-4 win
over defending champion Larry Owings of
Washington. A three-time All-American
and four-time Big Ten Champion, Milkovich
became the rst Big Ten wrestler to go
undefeated in conference dual meet action for
four years. He completed his college career
with an overall record of 93-7-1. Outstanding
on his feet with a devastating reman’s carry,
Milkovich was a three-time undefeated (100-0) Ohio state champion
for legendary Maple Heights High School.
31. Eric Larkin, Arizona State, 2003
A four-time All-American with NCAA nishes
of fourth (freshman), third (sophomore), second
(junior), and rst (senior), Larkin won the 2003
national title at 149-pounds over Jared Lawrence of
Minnesota, 10-8. e Most Outstanding Wrestler
of the 2003 NCAA Championships, Larkin
claimed four Pac-10 titles and nished his college
career with a record of 123-12. He was a captivating
wrestler with exceptional balance, amazing body
control, and a keen sense of mat awareness. At
Sunnyside High School, Larkin was a two-time Arizona state champion and
a 1998 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
32. Bill Harlow, Oklahoma State, 1966
An outstanding technical wrestler with a
smooth, owing style, Harlow captured the
1966 NCAA title at 191-pounds over Don
Buzzard of Iowa State, 3-2. A three-time
national nalist and two-time Big Eight
Champion, Harlow completed his college
career with an overall record of 54-5-2.
He won a silver medal at the 1970 World
Championships in Edmonton, Canada.
Considered by many as the best wrestler to
come out of Tennessee, Harlow was the 1962
state champion for St. Andrews School.
33. Sanshiro Abe, Penn State, 1996
An extremely hard worker who excelled on
his feet with great quickness and technique,
Abe was a four-time All-American with
NCAA nishes of fourth (freshman), third
(sophomore), second (junior), and rst
(senior). He won the 1996 NCAA title
at 126-pounds with an electrifying 6-5
victory over Dwight Hinson of Iowa State.
Undefeated his senior year in college at 29-0,
Abe was a three-time Big Ten Champion and
nished his college career with a record of
125-15. He was an Olympian for Japan at the 1996 Olympic Games.
34. Howard Harris, Oregon State, 1980
Named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the
1980 NCAA Championships, Harris collected
his title at unlimited by pinning every opponent,
including the legendary Bruce Baumgartner of
Indiana State in the title bout in 4:35. One of
the nation’s most fearsome all-time pin artists,
Harris nished the 1979-80 season with a
perfect 46-0 record and an astounding 40 falls.
He was a four-time All-American and three-
time PAC 10 Champion. Harris made the 1980
United States Olympic Team, but was unable to
compete because of the U.S. boycott of the Olympics. He was the 1976
Oregon state champion for McNary High School.
35. Mike Land, Iow
a State, 1978
e 1978 NCAA champion at 126-pounds,
Land won his title with an impressive 13-5
victory over Randy Lewis of Iowa. A four-
time All-American, two-time national nalist,
and three-time Big Eight Champion, Land
posted a 48-0 record as a junior in 1978. He
was a dominating performer who compiled a
150-13-1 college career record, including 82
consecutive victories. Land was the 1974 Iowa
state champion for West Des Moines Valley
High School.
36. Sylvester Terkay, North Carolina State, 1993
A towering, physical force on the mat with
a reputation as a erce pinner, Terkay won
the 1993 NCAA title at 275-pounds with a
fall in 1:43 over Don Whipp of Michigan
State. Brutal in the advantage position
with some painful arm bar holds, Terkay
was a two-time national nalist and three-
time All-American. He won four Atlantic
Coast Conference crowns and nished his
college career with a record of 122-4 with 64
falls. His career wins and pins are NC State
school records.
Howard Harris
Mike Land
Sylvester Terkay
Franklin Gomez
Greg Wojciechowski
Kevin Darkus
Tom Milkovich
Eric Larkin
Bill Harlow
Sanshiro Abe
COLLEGE Action
Page 36 Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020
37. Fred Fozzard, Oklahoma State, 1967
A two-time NCAA nalist and two-time
Big Eight Champion, Fozzard claimed the
1967 national championship at 177-pounds
with a 10-3 victory over Mike Bradley
of Michigan State. A fearless competitor
with a unique wrestling style, Fozzard
was a three-time All-American and put
together an overall college record of 54-4-
3. He won a gold medal at the 1969 World
Championships in Mar Del Plata, Argentina.
At Marshall High School, Fozzard was a
two-time Oregon state champion.
38. Jim Martin, Penn State, 1988
One of twelve Nittany Lion wrestlers who
have been four-time All-Americans, Martin
won the 1988 NCAA title at 126-pounds with a
dramatic 5-4 win over 1986 national champion
Brad Penrith of Iowa. A two-time NCAA
nalist and two-time Eastern Wrestling League
Champion, Martin has the most wins (155)
and dual meet victories (73) in PSU program
history. He completed his college career with
a record of 155-9-4. A master technician
with numerous academic honors to his credit,
Martin won three Pennsylvania state titles for
Danville Area High School was a 1984 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream
Team” All-American.
39. Nico Megaludis, Penn State, 2016
Competing for the Nittany Lions at
125-pounds, Megaludis captured the 2016
national championship over omas Gilman
of Iowa, 6-3. A four-time All-American
and three-time NCAA nalist, Megaludis
possessed extraordinary mental toughness
and a keen sense of mat awareness. His overall
record in college was 119-19. Megaludis won
three Pennsylvania state titles for Franklin
Regional High School and was a 2011
Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
40. Troy Nickerson, Cornell, 2009
e 2009 NCAA champion at 125-pounds,
Nickerson claimed his title with a hard-fought
2-1 tiebreaker win over Paul Donahoe of
Edinboro. A four-time All-American, two-
time national nalist, and three-time EIWA
Champion, Nickerson displayed a multitude
of elite-level techniques. He also incorporated
a sensational blend of power, quickness, and
tenacity. He nished his college career with an
overall record of 97-8. Nickerson won ve New
York state titles for Chenango Forks High School
and was a 2005 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American
Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order)
Steve Barrett, Oklahoma State, 1977
Known for his big moves, electrifying
style, and double-digit point scoring ability,
Barrett won the 1977 national championship
at 142-pounds with a compelling 12-5 victory
over Sam Komar of Indiana. e rst-ever
four-time Big Eight Champion, Barrett
earned All-American honors three times and
concluded his collegiate career with a record
of 88-11-2. He was the 1973 California state
champion for Miraleste High School.
Larry Bielenberg, Oregon State, 1975
One of Oregon State’s rst stars under
famed Head Coach Dale omas,
Bielenberg won the 1975 NCAA title at
unlimited with an 8-2 win over in-state
rival Greg Gibson of Oregon. A rapid-
re pinner, the muscular and athletic
Bielenberg was a four-time All-American
and three-time national nalist. He nished
his college career with an overall record
of 164-15-1 and a Beaver school record
of 94 falls. An alternate for the 1976 U.S.
Olympic Team, Bielenberg was the 1973 Oregon state champion
for Silverton High School.
Chris Bono, Iowa State, 1996
Bono became the rst wrestler hailing
from Florida to win an NCAA wrestling
championship when he captured the 1996
national title at 150-pounds over Charlie
Becks of Ohio State, 6-3. A three-time All-
American, two-time national nalist, and
two-time Big Eight Champion, Bono put
together a college record of 128-24. He kept
good body positioning on the mat and was
enormously strong and agile. At e Bolles
School, Bono was a three-time Florida state
champion and a 1992 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-
American.
Fred Fozzard
Jim Martin
Nico Megaludis
Troy Nickerson
Steve Barrett
Larry Bielenberg
Chris Bono
WrestlingUSA.com
Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020 Page 37
Gary Breece, Oklahoma, 1974
e rst Sooner wrestler to become a
four-time All-American, Breece capped his
career by winning the 1974 NCAA title at
118-pounds with a tense, low-scoring 3-2
victory over Jack Spates of Slippery Rock. A
two-time national nalist and two-time Big
Eight Champion, Breece was a cray, hard-
working wrestler with solid oense and good
defense. While in high school, Breece was a
two-time Oklahoma state champion. He won
his rst title for Edmond Memorial in 1968 and
his second for Tulsa Memorial in 1969.
Dan Chaid, Oklahoma, 1985
As a college wrestler competing for
legendary Sooner Head Coach Stan Abel,
Chaid had an exceptional career that
included four All-American citations, two
Big Eight titles, and career records in wins
(150) and pins (58). A two-time NCAA
nalist, Chaid won the 1985 national title
at 190-pounds with a 5-3 win over Duane
Goldman of Iowa. A big-time competitor
who moved well on his feet, Chaid won two
California state titles for Gunderson High
School and was a 1981 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team”
All-American.
Cory Clark, Iowa, 2017
A wonderfully courageous grappler
with a high ratio of falls and a wide-open
style, Clark captured the 2017 national
championship at 133-pounds over Seth
Gross of South Dakota State, 4-3. Clark
was a four-time All-American, three-
time national nalist, and 2016 Big Ten
Champion. His overall win-loss record in
college was 98-15. He nished his prep
career as a four-time Iowa state champion at
Southeast Polk High School.
Phil Davis, Penn State, 2008
While wrestling at Penn State University,
Davis was a four-time All-American, two-
time national nalist, and two-time Big Ten
Champion. He won the 2008 NCAA title at
197-pounds with a 7-2 victory over Wynn
Michalak of Central Michigan. An active
wrestler with a good array of takedown
moves at his disposal, Davis nished
his college career with a record of 116-
20. He used great strength and quickness
to his advantage and was a three-time
Pennsylvania state medalist for Harrisburg High School.
Angel Escobedo, Indiana, 2008
An intelligent wrestler with a series of
entertaining moves, Escobedo reached the
apex of collegiate wrestling in 2008, capturing
the 125-pound national championship
with a 10-3 decision over Jayson Ness of
Minnesota. A four-time All-American and
three-time Big Ten Champion, Escobedo
completed his college career with an overall
record of 137-14. He won four Indiana
state titles for Grith High School and was
a 2005 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream
Team” All-American.
Zack Esposito, Oklahoma State, 2005
A starter on four Cowboy NCAA
Championship teams from 2003-06,
Esposito won the 2005 national title at
149-pounds with a 5-2 win over Phillip
Simpson of Army. Incredibly driven
and intense, Esposito could overwhelm
his opponents with a wide repertoire of
entertaining takedown moves. He was
a three-time All-American, two-time
national nalist, and two-time Big 12
Champion. Esposito won three National
Prep Championships for Blair Academy and was a 2002 Wrestling
USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
John Fritz, Penn State, 1975
e 1975 NCAA champion at 126-pounds,
Fritz won his title with a memorable 5-5,
3-1 overtime win over two-time defending
national champion Pat Milkovich of
Michigan State. A three-time All-American
and two-time Eastern Intercollegiate
Athletic Association Champion, Fritz put
together a college career record of 71-10-4.
He was an exceptional all-around athlete
and a two-time Pennsylvania state runner-
up for Bethlehem Liberty High School.
Nahshon Garrett, Cornell, 2016
A four-time All-American and two-time
national nalist, Garrett closed his collegiate
career in exciting fashion, winning the 2016
NCAA title at 133-pounds over Cory Clark
of Iowa, 7-6. Garrett nished the 2015-16
season with a perfect 37-0 record and amassed
an overall college record of 149-12. A four-
time EIWA Champion, Garrett is a ashy
ultra-swi performer with the ability to score
bonus points every time he steps on the mat.
He was a two-time California state champion
for Chico High School.
Jim Gibbons, Iowa State, 1981
From a strong wrestling family lineage,
Jim Gibbons won the 1981 NCAA title
at 134-pounds in decisive fashion over
defending champion Daryl Burley of Lehigh,
16-8. A student of the sport with tremendous
leadership capabilities, Jim was a three-time
All-American and a two-time Big Eight
Champion. He succeeded Harold Nichols as
head coach of the Cyclones and produced an
NCAA championship team in 1987. Jim was
a three-time Iowa state champion for Ames
High School.
Joe Gibbons, Iowa State, 1985
e younger brother of 1981 national
champion Jim Gibbons, Joe captured the
NCAA title in 1985 at 142-pounds with a
hard-fought 4-3 decision over John Orr of
Princeton. A four-time All-American and
two-time Big Eight Champion, Joe nished
his college career with a record of 124-20-3. A
1981 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team”
All-American, Joe was a four-time Iowa state
champion. He won titles as a freshman and
sophomore for Columbus Catholic High
School and as a junior and senior for Ames High
School.
Gary Breece
Dan Chaid
Cory Clark
Phil Davis
Zach Esposito
John Fritz
Nahshon Garrett
Jim Gibbons
Joe Gibbons
Angel Escobedo
COLLEGE Action
Page 38 Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020
Jeremy Hunter, Penn State, 2000
A terric mat wrestler with a wide variety
of punishing rides and pin holds, Hunter
won the 2000 NCAA title at 125-pounds
over Steve Garland of Virginia, 7-3. e
2000 Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, Hunter
was a three-time All-American and two-
time national nalist. He completed his
college career with a record of 123-17.
An exceptional leader, Hunter won four
Pennsylvania state titles for McGuey
High School and was a 1996 Wrestling USA
Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
Jesse Jantzen, Harvard, 2004
e most decorated wrestler in Crimson
history, Jantzen became Harvard’s second
NCAA champion when he won the
149-pound title in 2004. He was also named
the NCAA Most Outstanding Wrestler
that year and earned his third straight All-
American honor and top-3 national nish.
An innovative wrestler with a unique style,
Jantzen would go for the fall from virtually
any position on the mat. He won four New
York state titles for Shoreham-Wading River
High School and was a 2000 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream
Team” All-American
Jason Kelber, Nebraska, 1991
In a rematch of the NCAA title bout from
the year before, Kelber gained a huge measure
of revenge over defending champion Terry
Brands of Iowa with a 10-5 win in the
1991 championship bout at 126-pounds.
A two-time national nalist, three-time
All-American, and 1991 Big Eight Most
Outstanding Wrestler, Kelber showcased a
nice blend of speed, strength, and technique.
He was a three-time Iowa state champion for
West Marshall High School.
Dustin Kilgore, Kent State, 2011
Kilgore became Kent State’s rst NCAA
champion in 2011, winning the 197-pound
title with an unanticipated fall over
Oklahoma State’s Clayton Foster in 4:56.
A three-time All-American and two-time
national nalist, Kilgore used brute strength
and an aggressive mind-set to his advantage.
He completed his collegiate career with an
overall record of 178-12 and was and four-
time Mid-American Conference champion.
At Berea High School, Kilgore was the 2006
Ohio state champion.
Rob Koll, North Carolina, 1988
e son of National Wrestling Hall of
Fame member Bill Koll, Rob was a four-
time All-American and three-time Atlantic
Coast Conference Champion. He won
the 1988 NCAA title at 158-pounds with
a startling fall in 1:14 over Joe Pantaleo
of Michigan. A rst-rate technician who
could pin opponents in a variety of ways,
Rob is the all-time wins leader in Tar Heel
history with 155. He placed h at the 1991
World Championships and was the 1984
Pennsylvania state champion for State College High School.
Josh Koscheck, Edinboro, 2001
A four-time All-American and two-time
national nalist, Koscheck captured the
NCAA title in 2001 at 174-pounds over
Maurice Worthy of Army, 8-1. Koscheck
was an intelligent, hard-working wrestler
who utilized a sensational blend of speed
and power. He put together a college
career record of 128-17. A two-time
Eastern Wrestling League champion and
four-time Pennsylvania State Athletic
Conference champion, Koscheck was the
1997 Pennsylvania state runner-up for Waynesburg High School.
Matt Lackey, Illinois, 2003
A powerful individual who excelled on
his feet with a wide repertoire of takedown
maneuvers, Lackey was the 2003 national
champion at 165-pounds. He defeated
Troy Letters of Lehigh in the championship
match, 6-3, and nished his senior year at
38-0. A two-time national nalist, three-
time All-American, and two-time Big Ten
Champion, Lackey posted a college career
record of 120-14. He was a two-time Illinois
state champion for Moline High School.
Jared Lawrence, Minnesota, 2002
An aggressive, high-scoring star who
used tremendous conditioning to his
advantage, Lawrence won the 2002 national
title at 149-pounds, defeating Jared Frayer
of Oklahoma, 3-1. A four-time All-
American, two-time NCAA nalist, and
two-time Big Ten Champion, Lawrence
nished his college career with a record
of 130-23. He was honored as the Most
Outstanding Wrestler of the 2001 Big
Ten Championships. At Sandpoint High
School, Lawrence was a four-time Idaho state champion and a 1998
Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American
Troy Letters, Lehigh, 2004
A strong, multi-talented athlete capable
of pinning anyone he faced, Letters was
a three-time All-American, two-time
national nalist, and three-time EIWA
Champion. He won the 2004 NCAA title at
165-pounds with a 5-2 victory over Tyrone
Lewis of Oklahoma State. Letters owned a
variety of ways to put opponents on their
backs and concluded his college career with
a record of 115-9. He won two Pennsylvania
state titles for Shaler High School and was a
2001 Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
Scott Lynch, Penn State, 1984
Lynch reached the pinnacle of collegiate
wrestling in 1984, capturing the 134-pound
national championship with an impressive
13-6 decision over Greg Randall of Iowa.
A classy performer with a wonderful set of
moves, Lynch was a three-time All-American
and two-time Eastern Wrestling League
champion. He won Eastern Wrestling
League Wrestler of the Year honors on two
occasions and nished his college career
with a record of 92-8-3. Lynch was the 1979
Pennsylvania state champion for Miinburg High School.
Jeremy Hunter
Jesse Jantzen
Jason Kelber
Dustin Kilgore
Rob Koll
Josh Koscheck
Matt Lackey
Jared Lawrence
Troy Letters
Scott Lynch
WrestlingUSA.com
Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020 Page 39
Steve Marianetti, Illinois, 1995
In a monumental upset, Marianetti
defeated two-time defending NCAA
champion Lincoln McIlravy of Iowa in the
150-pound 1995 national championship
nal, 13-10. McIlravy would claim his
third national title in 1996. Excellent on
his feet, Marianetti was a powerfully-built
performer with a strong will to succeed. He
earned All-American honors three times
and completed his college career with a
record of 120-28. At Glenbrook North High
School, Marianetti was the 1990 Illinois state runner-up.
Myles Martin, Ohio State, 2016
A physical force on the mat with great
athleticism and a series of aggressive
takedown maneuvers, Martin won the
2016 NCAA title at 174-pounds in thrilling
fashion over Bo Nickal of Penn State, 11-9.
Martin was a four-time All-American and
two-time national nalist. His nished
his college career with an overall win-loss
record of 121-19 and was the 2019 Big Ten
Champion. While attending McDonogh
School in Maryland, Martin was a three-
time National Prep Champion.
Ray Miller, Arizona State, 1993
e second wrestler in Sun Devil history
to become a four-time All-American, Miller
captured the 1993 NCAA championship at
167-pounds with a 6-2 victory over Shaon
Fry of Missouri. A two-time national nalist
and three time Pac-10 Champion, Miller
knew how to win through a ne combination
of great technique and analytical skills. He
nished his college career with 115 victories.
At Marlow High School, Miller was a three-
time Oklahoma state champion.
Marty Morgan, Minnesota, 1991
Outstanding on his feet with a series of
devastating upper-body moves, Morgan
won the 1991 NCAA title at 177-pounds
with a commanding 17-7 victory over Matt
Johnson of Iowa State. He nished his senior
year at 39-0 and was a two-time national
nalist and three-time All-American for the
Gophers. Prior to attending the University
of Minnesota, Morgan claimed the 1987
NCAA Division II Championship for North
Dakota State University. He was a Greco-Roman Olympic alternate
in 1996.
Al Nacin, Iowa State, 1975
e rst four-time All-American in the
history of the tradition-rich Iowa State
University wrestling program, Nacin won the
1975 national championship at 190-pounds
over in-state rival Greg Stevens of Iowa,
8-4. Nacin was a two-time NCAA nalist
and three-time Big Eight Champion. He
collected a pair of Midlands Championships
crowns and concluded his college career
with 109 wins. At Reavis High School, Nacin
was the 1970 Illinois state champion.
Mike Pucillo, Ohio State, 2008
A three-time All-American and two-
time national nalist, Pucillo captured the
2008 NCAA title at 184-pounds in dramatic
fashion over Jake Varner of Iowa State, 3-3,
TB2. Pucillo won the crown on six seconds
of riding time aer the tiebreakers were
exhausted. A 2009 Big Ten Champion,
Pucillo was a clever, low-risk type performer
with a complete understanding of all phases
of the sport. He won an Ohio state title for
Walsh Jesuit High School and was a 2005
Wrestling USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
Tony Ramos, Iowa, 2014
Masterful on his feet with a wide repertoire
of exciting moves, Ramos won the 2014
NCAA title at 133-pounds over long-time
rival Tyler Gra of Wisconsin, 3-1. A three-
time All-American and two-time national
nalist, Ramos was triumphant at the 2014 Big
Ten Championships and completed his college
career with an overall record of 120-14. He
made back-to-back world teams in 2014 and
2015. At Glenbard North High School, Ramos
was a three-time Illinois state champion.
Anthony Robles, Arizona State, 2011
Named the Most Outstanding Wrestler
of the 2011 NCAA Championships, Robles
collected his title at 125-pounds with a
commanding 7-1 victory over returning
champion Matt McDonough of Iowa.
A crushingly strong individual with a
passion for winning, Robles was a three-
time All-American and three-time PAC-
10 Conference Champion. A native of
Arizona, who was born without a right leg,
Robles won two state titles for Mesa High
School and was a 2006 Wrestling USA Magazine “Academic Team”
All-American.
Frank Santana, Iowa State, 1977
An imposing wrestler with unbelievable
determination, Santana captured the 1977
NCAA title at 190-pounds with a 12-7
decision over Evan Johnson of Minnesota.
A three-time national nalist and two-
time Big Eight Champion, Santana was
the lone champion on Iowa State’s 1977
NCAA championship team. He nished his
college career with an overall record of 86-
8. At Gordon Tech High School, Santana
was a two-time Chicago Catholic League
champion.
Doug Schwab, Iowa, 1999
A three-time All-American, two-time
national nalist, and three-time Big Ten
Champion, Schwab secured the 1999 NCAA
title at 141-pounds with a workmanlike 4-2
victory over Michael Lightner of Oklahoma.
Schwab was an explosive grappler who
used great conditioning and intensity to his
advantage. He nished his college career with
a record of 130-21. A member of the 2008
U.S. Olympic Team, Schwab was the 1996
Iowa state champion for Osage High School.
Anthony Robles
Frank Santana
Doug Schwab
Steve Marianetti
Myles Martin
Ray Miller
Marty Morgan
Al Nacin
Mike Pucillo
Tony Ramos
COLLEGE Action
Page 40 Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020
Joel Sharratt, Iowa, 1994
Under the tutelage of legendary University
of Iowa coach Dan Gable, Sharratt won the
1994 national championship at 190-pounds
with a close 3-2 decision over Andy Foster
of Oklahoma. A rock-solid competitor with
tremendous leadership capabilities, Sharratt
was a three-time national nalist and a 1995
Big Ten Champion. He claimed a pair of
Minnesota state titles for Bloomington-
Kennedy High School.
Troy Steiner, Iowa, 1992
A four-time All-American, two-time
national nalist, and three-time Big Ten
Champion, Troy Steiner won the 1992
NCAA title at 142-pounds with an 8-2
victory over Chris Owens of Oklahoma
State. e twin brother of 1993 University
of Iowa national champion Terry Steiner,
Troy nished the 1991-92 season with a
awless 42-0 record. He concluded his
college career with an overall record of
148-13. Well-known for his intensity and
incredible work habits, Troy was a three-time North Dakota state
champion for Bismarck Century High School.
Tolly ompson, Nebraska, 1995
A prolic pinner with awesome strength and
power, ompson secured the 1995 NCAA
title at 275-pounds with an 8-0 victory over
Justin Greenlee of Northern Iowa. ompson
was a three-time All-American and concluded
his college career with a record of 157-21.
He earned a bronze medal at the 2005 World
Championships in Budapest, Hungary. While
attending Janesville High School, ompson
was a two-time Iowa state runner-up.
Adam Tirapelle, Illinois, 2001
From an esteemed wrestling family, Tirapelle
reached the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling
in 2001, winning the national championship
at 149-pounds with a 5-3 decision over
Dave Esposito of Lehigh. A powerfully-built
performer with excellent pin production
Tirapelle was a ne technical wrestler with
incredible knowledge of the sport. He was a two-
time NCAA nalist, three-time All-American,
and Big Ten Champion. A 1996 Wrestling
USA Magazine “Dream Team” All-American,
Tirapelle was a two-time California state champion. He won his rst
title for Hiram Johnson in 1995 and his second for Buchanan in 1996.
Nathan Tomasello, Ohio State, 2015
e 2015 NCAA champion at 125-pounds,
Tomasello earned his title with a 9-5 victory
over Zeke Moisey of West Virginia. A four-
time All-American with a college record of
100-8, Tomasello became just the 15th wrestler
in Big Ten history to win four individual
conference crowns. He could generate a lot
of oense with his ne combination of speed,
power and technique. Tomasello won four
Ohio state titles for Cuyahoga Valley Christian
Academy and was a 2013 Wrestling USA
Magazine “Dream Team” All-American.
Kelly Ward, Iowa State, 1979
A three-time NCAA nalist and two-time
Big Eight Champion, Ward was the 1979
national champion at 158-pounds, defeating
Dan Zilverberg of Minnesota in the title bout,
7-2. Ward was named the Most Outstanding
Wrestler of the 1979 Big Eight Championships
and completed his college career with an
overall record of 126-10-2. He possessed
a huge amount of determination and was
amazingly consistent. A native of Annapolis,
Maryland, Ward was the 1975 National Prep
Champion for legendary Blair Academy.
Peter Yozzo, Lehigh, 1987
e rst Lehigh wrestler to win 100 career
matches, Yozzo was an electrifying takedown
specialist with a penchant for scoring bonus
points. He won the 1987 NCAA title at
142-pounds with a stunning fall over Pat
Santoro of Pittsburgh in 3:52. A three-time
All-American, two-time national nalist,
and three-time EIWA Champion, Yozzo put
together a college career record of 100-13-3.
He was the 1983 New York state champion for
Sayville High School.
Joel Sharratt
Troy Steiner
Tolly ompson
Adam Tirapelle
Nathan Tomasello
Kelly Ward
Peter Yozzo
WrestlingUSA.com
Wrestling USA Magazine - March 15, 2020 Page 41
