Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Their Best = Clemson

Wrestling came to Clemson during the 1975-1976 season & lasted up through the 1994-1995 season.  During this time the Tigers put together a dual record of 219-21, including a record of 14-6 during the 1993-1994 season in which they finished as the ACC Runner-up & in Seventh place at the NCAA Division I national tournament.  They were were one the most successful programs on campus during their final years.  While Men's Soccer & Baseball both won ACC titles & finished higher at the NCAA tournament, wrestling ranked higher at both a conference & national level than all of the other Tiger sports programs.  

Even more noting may be the fact that in Clemson's final year over half of their roster was made up of wrestlers from southern states.  A reflection of the fact that talent exist is the south & that if the option presents itself, wants to remain in the south to wrestle in college.  Seven members of the team were from South Carolina, six from Florida & one from Georgia.  

Noel Loban
177, 190 lbs 

When we think of great foreign wrestlers that have made names for themselves at American colleges, we usually think of Russia, Japan & occasionally Canada.  The United Kingdom doesn't come up often but in the case of Noel Loban, it does.  He originally began his collegiate career at Farmingdale State (Another program we've lost) where he won the NJCAA title in 1977.   Competing for the Tigers, Loban won ACC titles in both 1979 & 1980.  When he won the NCAA title in 1980, he became the first national champion that Clemson ever crowned in any sport.  He was also sixth at the Midlands that season. 

Post College, Loban had an exceptional international career representing his home country.  He earned an Olympic bronze medal in 1984 & then took Gold at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.  He came back in 1994 to earn a Silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.   After his career was over he coached at various entities including North Carolina State. 

Joey McKenna

A Florida native, Joey McKenna damn near won four ACC titles, missing out on one during his sophomore season of 1984.  In 1986 as a senior not only did he win his third ACC title, but he was also named the Outstanding wrestler of the tournament.  He would go on to place fourth at the NCAA championships, ending his season with 36 victories. 

Mark Litts
167 lbs 

Mark Litts was a three time NCAA qualifier for the Tigers winning an ACC title in 1985 as a junior. 

Donnie Heckel
118 lbs 

Putting together an overall record of 101-23, Donnie Heckel had an assortment of credentials during his time as a Tiger.  He qualified for the NCAA championships all four seasons, winning ACC titles his freshman year of 1988 & his senior year of 1991 (where he was also named the outstanding wrestler).  Along with these accomplishments he earned All American honors twice, placing eighth in 1989 & sixth in 1991. 

Kurt Howell
150 lbs 

A three time NCAA qualifier Howell won an ACC title as a junior in 1990 & would capture eighth place All American honors with a eighth place finish at the NCAA championships in 1991. 

Mike Mammon 
150 lbs 

Earning 78 victories during his time as a Tiger, Mammon earned three NCAA qualifications, winning an ACC title in 1994. 

Tim Morrissey
177, 190 lbs 

A native of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Morrissey won two ACC titles for the Tigers, earning All American status with a third place finish at the 1994 NCAA championships. 

Sammie Henson
118 lbs 

Originally a Missouri Tiger, Henson traded in the black & gold for the Purple & orange.   During his time at Clemson Henson never knew defeat going 71-0, winning two ACC & two NCAA Division I titles. These were all during the final years of Clemson wrestling.   Post college, Henson has an outstanding international career taking Gold at the 1998 World Championships & then a Bronze in 2006.  In 2000 Henson earned a Silver medal at the Olympics.