1973 NCAA Wrestling Championships: A Clarion Uprising

The 1973 NCAA University Division Wrestling Championships marked a significant moment in collegiate wrestling history, showcasing the rise of Midwestern and Western programs and the emergence of underdog stories. Held at the Hec Edmundson Pavilion on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, the tournament spanned from March 8 to March 10 and featured intense competition across ten weight classes. This event not only highlighted individual achievements but also underscored the evolving landscape of collegiate wrestling.

The Lay of the Land

The NCAA University Division Wrestling Championships, established in 1928, had become the premier collegiate wrestling event. In 1963, the University Division designation was formalized to differentiate larger institutions from the emerging College Division. By the early 1970s, the sport was experiencing a geographic shift, with increased participation from Midwestern institutions like Iowa and Oklahoma State, and growing involvement from Western programs like Oregon State and Washington. This expansion broadened the competitive landscape beyond the traditional Eastern strongholds.

Eligibility for the 1973 championships required wrestlers to meet academic standards and complete a minimum number of competitions, according to NCAA bylaws. Weigh-ins were conducted on the morning of each competition day to ensure adherence to weight class regulations.

Tournament Structure

The tournament was structured over three days. March 8 was dedicated to preliminary rounds, advancing wrestlers to the medal rounds. Quarterfinals and semifinals followed on March 9, setting the stage for the championship matches held on March 10.

Finals Highlights

The finals matches showcased technical prowess and endurance. All finals were decided by decision or fall, underscoring the high level of competition.

Individual Match Breakdowns

118 lbs: Dan Sherman of Iowa defeated Tom Phillips of Oregon State by a 10-5 decision.
126 lbs: Mark Massery of Northwestern secured a 9-8 decision over Ron Glass of Iowa State.
134 lbs: Don Rohn of Clarion prevailed over Bobby Stites of Oklahoma State with a 5-3 decision.
142 lbs: Dan Muthler of Navy won against Reed Fehlberg of Brigham Young University by a 9-4 decision, dominating with aggressive offense.
150 lbs: Jarrett Hubbard of Michigan took the title with an 8-4 decision over Rich Lawinger of the University of Wisconsin, leveraging his footwork for key reversals.
158 lbs: Wade Schalles of Clarion defeated Mike R.
167 lbs: Bill Simpson of Clarion beat Doug Wyn of Western Michigan 7-3 by decision.
177 lbs: Rich Binek of Iowa State prevailed over Albert Sye of Arizona with a 3-2 decision, maintaining control throughout.
Heavyweight: Chris Taylor of Iowa State pinned Jim Hagen of Oregon State at 4:19 in the unlimited class, using his immense strength to turn the match into a fall victory. Chris Taylor also received the Gorriaran Award as the outstanding heavyweight.

Clarion's Ascent

Clarion State College's performance at the 1973 NCAA Championships was a standout story. As Sports Illustrated reported, Clarion had previously been known for its wrestlers ending up pinned. However, under the guidance of coach Bob Bubb, the program experienced a dramatic turnaround.

In the previous season, Gary Barton (134 pounds) and Wade Schalles (150) secured Clarion's first two individual titles. Although small-college teams couldn't compete for the major-college team championship, Clarion amassed 36 unofficial points, which would have placed them sixth.

In 1973, Clarion qualified four men for the NCAA tournament in Seattle and accumulated 57½ unofficial points, theoretically finishing fourth. Don Rohn (134 pounds), Wade Schalles (158), and Bill Simpson (167) all emerged as champions. Freshman heavyweight Chuck Coryea was the only loser, exiting in the opening round. No other team had more than two titlists.

Bob Bubb's Philosophy

Bob Bubb's coaching philosophy played a crucial role in Clarion's success. Bubb, who arrived at Clarion's campus in northwest Pennsylvania, focused on continuous improvement and innovative training methods. He brought theatrics to wrestling drills, incorporating lively music, jokes, dancing, homemade poetry, and farcical playlets. This approach aimed to alleviate the boredom of wrestling drills and foster camaraderie among the team members.

Bubb's goal was to help the wrestlers "mesh as soon as possible and get to know each other." This emphasis on team cohesion and psychological well-being contributed significantly to Clarion's remarkable performance.

Iowa State's Team Victory

While Clarion's individual performances were noteworthy, Iowa State clinched the team title, driven by individual champions like Chris Taylor and Rich Binek. Their performance underscored the program's strength and depth.

The Legacy of Penn State

While the 1973 championships did not involve Penn State in a prominent role, it's worth noting the program's later achievements, particularly under coach Cael Sanderson. Sanderson's arrival in 2009 ushered in a new era of championships, titles, expectations, and success.

Sanderson has coached 36 NCAA champions and led his team to 11 team titles. Penn State has a history of producing outstanding wrestlers, including eight Olympians, three of whom have medaled. From 2015 to 2019, the Nittany Lions held a 60-match win streak. Sanderson has also coached four Hodge Trophy winners, including David Taylor (2012, 2014), Zain Retherford (2017, 2018), and Bo Nickal (2019).

Penn State's Championship History

Penn State captured its first team title in 1953. Under Cael Sanderson, the team won its second title in 2011, led by Quentin Wright and future champions David Taylor and Ed Ruth. The 2012 season saw David Taylor earn Outstanding Wrestler honors and his first Hodge Trophy. Penn State continued its dominance, securing titles in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2017, Penn State had five individual champions. The team narrowly lost the title in 2021 but rebounded in 2022 with five individual champions. In 2024, Penn State broke the NCAA team scoring record, with Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks both winning their fourth titles.

Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile

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