Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Their Best = Fort Lewis

The Skyhawks of Fort Lewis were a very competitive team within the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) up through their final season of 1994-1995.   Competing in both the NAIA & NCAA Division II, they produced an assortment of All Americans.  Fort Lewis took ninth place at the 1982 NAIA championships. 

Brett Corsentino
167 lbs 

A graduate of John Mall High school, Corsentino placed sixth at the 1982 NAIA championships. 

Art Willden
158, 167 lbs 

Willden was a two time NAIA All American for the Skyhawks earning sixth place finishes in both 1984 & 1986. 

Robert Overturf
134 lbs 

A three time national qualifier, Overturf won an RMAC title as a sophomore in 1988, taking runner-up honors in 1989 & third place in 1990.  As a senior in 1990, Overturf pinned his way through the consolation bracket at the NCAA Division II tournament not only capturing a third place finish, but also the Gorriaran award.  He ended his career with a record of 66-42. 

Bruce Wilson
150 lbs 

Wilson took eighth place All American honors at the 1980 NCAA Division II championships. 

Mike Young
150 lbs 

Young was a two time NAIA All American for the Skyhawks placing fifth in 1970 and third in 1971. 

Jim Etzler
HWT 

Etzler is a very unique story in the sport of wrestling.  He originally went to the University of Utah to play football but after two years of not getting much playing time as a Ute, he transferred to Fort Lewis.  Continuing his football career, he decided that he would wrestle his final two years as well.  Despite being two years removed from the mat, you would never know it.  It won two RMAC titles and had two back to back third place finishes at the 1982 & 1983 NCAA Division II championships.  His over all record in two seasons was 61-3. 

Mike Panburn
126 lbs 

Panburn was a two time NAIA All American placing fourth in both 1987 & 1988 

Blaine Walters
142 lbs 

A native of Durango High School where he won a state championship, Blaine Walters had an extremely successful career for the dark blue, light blue & gold.  Going 97-36, he earned NCAA Division II All American honors on three occasions. He took third in 1990, fourth in 1991 & second in 1992.   Unfortunately Walters passed away in 1996.