Gone, Lost & Forgotten: Rogers State

 

Today Rogers State is an NCAA Division II institution known as the Hillcats.  At the time they fielded wrestling they were an NJCAA program known as the Claremore College Spartans.  Here are some of their best wrestlers. 

Israel Sheppard

Sheppard won an NJCAA title in 1978, then transferring to Oklahoma where he became a two time NCAA DI All American with a 3rd place finish in 1980 & a 4th place finish in 1982. 

Mike Jones 

An High School State champion for East Central, Mike Jones competed for the Hillcats formally known as the Spartans. He then transferred to Colorado, but had to again transfer to Oklahoma State due to the Buffaloes discontinuing their wrestling program.  He was 3rd for the Cowboys at the 1982 BIG 12 championships. 

Floyd Coburn 

A two time State champion in Oklahoma for Ponca City, Floyd Coburn wrestled for the Hillcats formally known as the Spartans. He later became a pastor.