Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Their Best = Illinois-Chicago

As it sometimes is, the history of a wrestling program continues to be a mystery. As to when Flame wrestling started & when flame wrestling ended, I do not know.  All I know is that indeed the University of Illinois-Chicago at one time had a varsity program. 

Joe Siprut

Siprut earned All American honors for the Flames in 1972 when he captured sixth place at the NCAA Division II championships.  Now I think & I'm trying to find out for sure...but I think he may be related to Joseph Siprut the actor.  That Joe Siprut who was in Crypto & 7 Days to Vegas  was a high school wrestler, that grew up in Illinois & attended Northwestern University.  It's obviously based on dates & photographs NOT the same person, but I am trying to find out they are related. 

Tony Koenig

Long time Bloomington High wrestling coach Tony Koenig competed for the Flames for a while.  His junior season of 1961-1962 he went 10-1, with all 10 of his victories coming via fall.  For his senior season he transferred to Illinois & competed for the Fighting Illini.   As Bloomington High's head coach he qualified thirteen to the state tournament, with ten earning medals & four earning individual state titles.