Gone, Lost & Forgotten: MacMurray

 

MacMurray was a small NCAA Division III institution in Jacksonville, Illinois.  They first began a wrestling program in 1960, discontinuing the sport after the 2006-2007 season.   During this time they had small successes from the late 60's into the mid 70's.  I believe their best finish was 17th place at the 1976 NCAA Division III championships.  MacMurray reinstated their wrestling program during the 2016-2017 season as the school as a whole would shut down permanently after the 2019-2020 season. 

Bob Kellogg

At one time there were no Divisions in NCAA wrestling.  All of the schools competed at the same championships.  Bob Kellogg was the one to put the Highlanders on the map.  In 1965 he was an NCAA runner-up & in 1967, he won the NCAA title. He later became a Dr & when MacMurray reinstated wrestling they named their home women's tournament after him. 

Syd LaMore

Syd LaMore gave the Highlanders two NCAA All Americans in 1965, as he took a 4th place finish. 

Ron Otto

Ron Otto was another Highlander who put MacMurray on the map.  Made the 1968 NCAA finals. 

Ken Glueck

Upon the NCAA dividing up by Divisions, Ken Glueck was MacMurray's first star at the NCAA Division III level.  He took 6th place All American honors in 1974. He later became a Commanding Officer in the Marines. 

Fred Wideman

Fred Wideman made the 1976 NCAA Division III finals. 

Ken Mansell 

Ken Mansell qualified for the NCAA DIII championships as a freshman for MacMurray.  He then left college to join the Marine Corps.  He came back a few years later to earn two more NCAA Division III qualifications & a 4th place All American finish at the 1987 championships.  He later had much success coaching at the High School level.  His brother Bob, Illinois' first deaf state champion, Mansell coached many deaf, as well as blind wrestlers to success. 

Bruce Barker

Bruce Barker was an NCAA Division III qualifier for the Highlanders in 1998. 

Adam Kravits

Adam Kravits has the distinction of being the Highlanders last NCAA Division III qualifier. He earned that honor in 2005.