Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Their Best = Indiana State

Now it is a debatable topic, but if we're using overall medals earned, then I can safely take the position that the greatest Olympic/World wrestler that the United States has ever produced, is Bruce Baumgartner.  We're talking thirteen medals between the Olympics and the World Championships.  Between 1983 and 1996, there was only one time Baumgartner didn't bring home a medal.  Some would say that the most revealing fact about Baumgartner is that he never won a high school state title.  I think even more revealing, is that the college that produced Baumgartner no longer has a wrestling team.

Now the one thing I will praise Indiana State for is that its Hall of Fame recognizes many of the greats in Sycamore wrestling history that excelled in both the NCAA and NAIA ranks. While Baumgartner will always be the face of the program, their were many who deserve the recognition.

115 lbs
John Welliever

I have to question if John Welliever who headed the Hoosier Lottery for a number of years before passing away in 1992  is the same John Welliever who wrestled for the Sycamores back when the program was NAIA.  He was a two time All American placing 4th in 1963 and 3rd in 1964.

118 lbs
Bob Dickman 

Coming from Wisconsin, Bob Dickman wrestled for Stoughton High School finishing with a state title his junior season and two third place finishes as a sophomore and senior.  He brought in a 109-11 record to the Sycamore program. His college experience was every bit as good as he'd win two Midwest Regional championships and garner All American honors in both his junior and senior seasons finishing seventh in 1982 and third in 1983.

123 lbs
Ted Parker 

From Deerfield High School Ted Parker won two state titles after finishing in third place as a sophomore. He would qualify for the NCAA Championships on three occasions, placing fifth his senior year in 1968.  Post college he was an assistant Coach at Colorado (another program we've lost) where he continued to wrestle, placing at the Midlands championships.

134 lbs
Jack Effner 

Effner decided to stay right at home wrestling for Indiana State as he won a state title for Terre Haute High in 1981.  128 wins he'd rack up as a Sycamore capturing fifth place at both the 1985 and 1986 NCAA's.  Post his mat career, he'd coach at both Cleveland State & Clemson before taking over the Army program as head coach.  During his time there he lead the Black Knights to 87 dual meet victories and a team high third place finish at the EIWA championships in 1990.

145, 150, 152 lbs
Bob Ferraro

Before he became the founder of the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Bob Ferraro was a Sycamore.  A three time NCAA All American, Ferraro placed fourth at 152 lbs in 1969 and second at 150 lbs in 1970.   He later assistant coached at Indiana State before taking over as head coach at Bucknell.  He was the East Coast Wrestling Association coach of the year in 1986, 1987 and 1992.

177 lbs
Dave Gaunt

Coming from New Jersey, Dave Gaunt was a a State champion for North Hunterdon high school in both 1970 and 1971.  He qualified for the NCAA wrestling championships in 1974 and 1975.

177 lbs
Roland Beckman

Another standout at 177 lbs for the Sycamores was Roland Beckman, who competed for the program during its time in NAIA.  He was the runner-up at the NAIA championships in 1963 and took third place in 1964.

HWT
Bruce Baumgartner 

I saved the best for last and I have to say seeing a pic of Bruce Baumgartner without a mustache is surreal.  Already mentioned, Baumgartner never won a state title in high school.  Could be the best testimony to the toughness that is the New Jersey high school state wrestling tournament.  While wrestling for the Sycamores, Baumgartner finished as the NCAA-runner up in both 1980 and 1981 before finally being crowned champion in 1982.

He'd go on to have the most decorated career in U.S. wrestling history.

1983 World Bronze
1984 Olympic Gold
1985 World Bronze
1986 World Gold
1987 World Bronze
1988 Olympic Silver
1989 World Silver
1990 World Silver
1992 Olympic Gold
1993 World Gold
1994 World Silver
1995 World Gold
1996 Olympic Bronze

If that doesn't say it all, I don't know what does.  Indiana State produces the wrestler with the most Olympic/World medals of any American wrestler and what do they do?  Drop their program.

It'd be like North Carolina producing Michael Jordan and then dropping their basketball program.  It just doesn't make any sense.