When one thinks of collegiate wrestling and the south, the two often seem antonyms of one another. Yet for a period of twenty two seasons from 1955-1956 through 1977-1978, Sewanee also known as The University of the South, fielded a rather competitive wrestling program. This included seven CAC (College Athletic Conference) team titles and finishing in second place at the 1963 NCAA Division II tournament.
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177 lbs
Bill Yates |
During his time on the Tiger wrestling team Bill Yates won three SEIWA (Southeastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association) titles.
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| Frank Pinney |
The greatest wrestler in Sewanee history, Frank Pinney took runner-up honors at the NCAA Division II tournament in 1963.
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| Yogi Anderson |
Also a member of the Tiger football and baseball teams, Yogi Anderson won three CAC titles during his wrestling career.
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| Kevin Lenahan |
Through four years of wrestling for the Tigers, Kevin Lenahan had a 28-4 career record that included winning four CAC titles. He also played football.
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| Paul Tessman |
A local from McCallie high school, Tessman became the first two time state champion in Tennessee. Wrestling for the Tigers he was never taken down in a single match & all of his losses were at the national tournament. He won four CAC titles and four SEIWA titles.
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191 lbs
Nathaniel Owen |
Nathaniel Owen was a first at Sewanee in more than one way. He was the first black football player. He was the first black wrestler. He was the first black to graduate. In football he was selected all CAC in both his junior and senior seasons. As a sophomore, junior and senior he lead the team in rushing yards. As a senior he scored more touchdowns than anyone on the team. As a wrestler he won a CAC title his junior season.
Post his collegiate athletic career Owen had an opportunity to play professional football but turned it down to attend law school instead. He became one of the first black District Court Judges in the state of Alabama.
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