Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Their Best = Saginaw Valley State

During the late 1970's into the early 1980's when the program was dropped, Saginaw Valley State was rather competitive on a individual level within the NAIA.   It was shortly after going NCAA Division II that wrestling was discontinued.  Their best finish was tenth at the 1978 NAIA national tournament. 

Terry Nicholson
126 lbs 

Nicholson battled injuries throughout most of his career as a cardinal, but the Carmen High school graduate did manage to earn NAIA All American honors his sophomore year of 1978 with a third place finish. 

Ralph Roberts
167 lbs  

A two time NAIA All American for the Cardinals, Roberts placed third in back to back national championships in 1977 & 1978. 

Chris Ruterbusch
HWT

A graduate of Bay City Western, Ruterbush took fourth place NAIA All American honors in 1982. 

Darrell Burchfield 

Vice President of Two Rivers Financial Group Darrell Burchfield was a wrestler for Saginaw Valley State.  Competing for the Cardinals, he had a standout season of 1982-1983 where he not only earned sixth place All American honors at the NAIA tournament but also became the first NCAA Division II All American in school history with an eighth place finish.   

Post college, Burchfield became head coach at Swan Valley high school.  He lead his team to nine conference titles, ten district titles, five regional titles & five top four appearances at the state tournament.   

A writer, Burchfield has written many articles & books including Success From Failure.