1973 - When the Clarion Eagles crowed

[matter7172]

Or more properly screamed or pealed. I remember it well and it was a big deal in SE PA. But 3 champs from a program that wasn't even eligible for the team race was a big deal on an objective level.

https://vault.si.com/vault/1973/03/19/when-the-eagles-crowed

 

[nitlion6]

One of the biggest sins in all of college sports is what Clarion administration allowed to happen to Clarion wrestling.

 

[Shifty15]

Good article. I remember going to the PSAC championships as a wrestling fan when I was in college...Rohn just tore people apart.

 

[tikk10]

From the article:

He brought theatrics to the deadly boredom of wrestling drills, perhaps the dullest in all sport: today the Golden Eagles wrestle to lively music in the workout room and, at Bubb's orders, tell jokes, dance, recite homemade poetry and act out farcical playlets.

Precursors to dodgeball and spikeball.

Great piece, from back when pretty much all sportswriters could write.

 

[RandyL]

The same tournament at whch Schalles pinned Frantz, poor Bll Simpson got absolutely mauled by Andy Matter.
At least thats how I remember it.
Something along the line of todays tech fall type mauling.
Of course Simpson was younger but was already a pretty good wrestler.
After Schalles upset (I think it was an upset) Frantz, I wondered if Simpson could do the same.
He could not.

 

[El-Jefe]

One of the biggest sins in all of college sports is what Clarion administration allowed to happen to Clarion wrestling.

Sharon Taylor says hold my beer.

 

[psualt]

Thanks for the post. First college wrestling match I ever attended was at Clarion vs PSU in 1984. Probably the only time I wasn’t rooting for the Lions. Clarion lost a close one.

Garry Barton was the first unseeded wrestler to win a championship I believe.

 

[jtothemfp]

From the article:

He brought theatrics to the deadly boredom of wrestling drills, perhaps the dullest in all sport: today the Golden Eagles wrestle to lively music in the workout room and, at Bubb's orders, tell jokes, dance, recite homemade poetry and act out farcical playlets.

Precursors to dodgeball and spikeball.

Great piece, from back when pretty much all sportswriters could write.

So good! Love these descriptions of Schalles:
Except, that is, when Schalles goes into action. Then he is college wrestling's most creative and dazzling performer. He ambles out for a match with all the enthusiasm of someone lugging out the garbage, but that is a front to lure opponents into false feelings of security. As soon as they lay a hand on Schalles he detonates. He picks up his man, slams him down, whirls this way and that and entangles him in a maze of arms, legs, whizzers and cradles. A superb counter-wrestler, Schalles will get himself into tight spots Houdini would have balked at and then extricate himself with ludicrous ease. His success stems largely from his plastic body, which he can contort into pretzel shapes while still retaining his gyroscopic balance and uncanny leverage.

Extricating oneself with ludicrous ease!

 

[Jessebelle]

Can you name Clarions first All American? A very active member of the Penn State Wrestler Club knows.

 

[Lyons212]

Thanks for the post. First college wrestling match I ever attended was at Clarion vs PSU in 1984. Probably the only time I wasn’t rooting for the Lions. Clarion lost a close one.

Garry Barton was the first unseeded wrestler to win a championship I believe.

I remember going to wrestling camp at Clarion in the early 80's, Coach Bubb was quite the story teller. Remember him saying, "Garry Barton tells me he is going to win NCAA's, I am thinking he might not even start." Recall the story was Barton would win a close match to advance and Bubb would deadpan and Schalles pinned his guy. Great memories.

 

[NoVa Lion]

Can you name Clarions first All American? A very active member of the Penn State Wrestler Club knows.

Yes.

 

[jtothemfp]

Yes.

I had to look it up, but now I'm a yes. And ....oh my, that is interesting to put these clues together! Thanks, @Jessebelle !