Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Their Best = McGill

 I'm not sure if I'm allowed to add McGill to my overall list of teams in my Gone, Lost & Forgotten series.  As far as I'm concerned ALL college wrestling programs we've lost should count, but I know some would disagree considering that McGill is a Canadian team.   |

McGill no longer has wrestling program & I cannot tell you when they dropped.  What I can tell you though is that at one time they were fairly competitive. 

Walter "Wally" Kowal 

Born in Ukraine, Wally Kowal came to Montreal as a small child & soon took up football & wrestling.  His athletic skills led him to McGill where he was a member of the football team & wrestling team.  As a wrestler he won four University championships (Like an NCAA or NAIA title here in the United States) while studying to be a Dentist.  What is most impressive is what he had to do in order to win his final University title.   His final examinations were the night before the  University championships.  After taking his test, he had to drive himself 5 hours that night, go right to bed and wake up a few hours later to wrestle.  He passed his test with flying colors & he won his fourth title. 

Later Kowal became a dentist in Montreal & served his community for many years.  Kowal sadly passed away in 2007. 

Howard Stupp

Another four time University champion for McGill was Howard Stupp, who was also named outstanding wrestler in two of the championships as well.  Post his collegiate career, Stupp won PAN-American Gold twice in 1975 & 1979.  He was also a gold medalist in the Maccabiah Games.