Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Their Best = Central Connecticut State

From the time Blue Devil wrestling started in the 1966-1967 season until the time it ended in the 1995-1996 season, it was one of the most successful programs on the Conference level at Central Connecticut State.  During their time in NCAA Division II under the leadership of the late George Redman twenty-two New England Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (NEIWA) place-winners were produced & seven All Americans.  When Central Connecticut State moved up to the Division I ranks now under the tutelage of Ken DeStefanis, in twelve seasons three NEIWA titles (1987, 1988 & 1989) were won & one Eastern Collegiate Wrestling Association (ECWA in 1992) was won.  In all twelve of those seasons wrestlers were sent to the NCAA tournament every season, a total of thirty qualifiers.  16 of which won NEIWA titles & 10 of which won ECWA titles.  

Despite all of this success, especially in comparison to the other sports programs at Central Connecticut State, athletic director Charlie Jones felt that when budget cuts became inevitable that the only sport that he could cut was wrestling. 

Mark Salge
142 lbs 

Salge was one of the most successful wrestlers at Central Connecticut State.  Putting together a career record of 126-26 he won two NEIWA titles & two Eastern Regional titles capturing All American status at the NCAA Division II level twice.  He placed third in 1978 & eighth in 1979. 

Jim Valerian
126 lbs 

Valerian was an NCAA Division II All American in 1981 capturing a 7th place finish. 

Dave Rothman
167, 177 lbs 

Dave Rothman earned two seventh place finishes at the NCAA Division II tournament in 1981 & 1983. 

Joe Glowacki
177 lbs  

Glowacki earned NCAA Division II All American honors in 1981 with a sixth place finish. 

Dave Cameron
190 lbs 

Dave Cameron suffered a life threatening ordeal his freshman season & it seemed that he may never wrestle again.  Instead he came back to win two Eastern Regional titles for the Blue Devils & take fourth place at the NCAA Division II tournament his senior season of 1981.  He was then an assistant at Central Connecticut State & later took over as head coach of Sacred Heart. 

Sal Profaci
126 lbs   

When the Blue Devils transitioned from NCAA Division I to NCAA Division II status, Sal Profaci wasted no time in giving Central Connecticut State their first NCAA qualifier in 1987. He'd qualify two more times in 1989 & 1990.  His son also named Sal was a two time NCAA qualifier himself.  Once for the University of Michigan & once for American University. 

Ryan Johnson
134, 142 lbs 

Johnson was a three time NCAA qualifier for the Blue Devils in 1987,1988 & 1989. 

Mike Gibbons
177, 167 lbs 

Gibbons was the Blue Devils sole four time NCAA Division I qualifier making trips to the nationals in 1987, 1988, 1989 & 1990. 

Mark Furshone
177 lbs   

Furshone was a three time NCAA qualifier for the Blue Devils going in 90', 92' & 93'. 

Mike Kosis
134, 142 lbs  

A New Jersey Native, Mike Kocsis was a three time NCAA qualifier in 1991, 92' & 93'.  As a senior in 93 he finished out the regular season undefeated winning an ECWA title.