RIP Rig
- Thread starter TangSoo
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Here is the ESPN article: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...steelers-pro-bowler-ncaa-wrestling-champ-dies
I was wrestling at PSU when Carlton was at UPJ. I have fond memories of spending a week with him in Houston at the Olympic Festival. best pure athlete that I ever wrestled. When you would go chest to chest, I could never lock up a bear hug. He had such a barrel chest!!
I settled in Altoona and Johnstown was about 40 minutes away. Carlton’s uncle Bruce is one of the best wrestling officials in the area, and helped Carlton get back in the sport, wearing the black and white stripes. Our paths have crossed many times over the last 25 years. As John stated above, he was always great working with the Younger wrestlers in the area and also helped coach in Johnstown.
You will be missed!
I was wrestling at PSU when Carlton was at UPJ. I have fond memories of spending a week with him in Houston at the Olympic Festival. best pure athlete that I ever wrestled. When you would go chest to chest, I could never lock up a bear hug. He had such a barrel chest!!
I settled in Altoona and Johnstown was about 40 minutes away. Carlton’s uncle Bruce is one of the best wrestling officials in the area, and helped Carlton get back in the sport, wearing the black and white stripes. Our paths have crossed many times over the last 25 years. As John stated above, he was always great working with the Younger wrestlers in the area and also helped coach in Johnstown.
You will be missed!
Last year, his story was published. The book is titled "Giant Killer: The Carlton Haselrig Story".
Also, I found this article from the NCAA (Champion Magazine) interesting. On the right side is a chart showing "Most NCAA Wrestling Championships", all Divisions. Interesting.
Also, I found this article from the NCAA (Champion Magazine) interesting. On the right side is a chart showing "Most NCAA Wrestling Championships", all Divisions. Interesting.
I saw him win States his senior year. If I recall his record was like 7-0 entering States. I first assumed he had been hurt during the season. I then found out that he petioned the PIAA to wrestle in District/Regional tournament because high school had dropped wrestling.
Great story.
Great story.
Coach Pat Pecora on Carlton. Great interview on an obviously hard day for Coach:
https://wjactv.com/sports/content/f...VPov_WlRB0vNIEblhdxNuZlZZGqjYNtEt-fGtmVbZI7iM
https://wjactv.com/sports/content/f...VPov_WlRB0vNIEblhdxNuZlZZGqjYNtEt-fGtmVbZI7iM
The School District dropped wrestling before his 9th grade season. He shows up 3 1/2 years later and wins Districts, Regionals, States. Legend.
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I listened to districts on the radio (Lock Haven WBPZ) that year. They discussed him as an unknown before districts began but if I recall Tom Elling said to watch out for him. 3-0 at districts. 4-0 at regionals and 4-0 at states. 11-0 for his HS career. A larger than life man. The most raw gifted athlete I may ever see in my lifetime. RIP Carlton
Dude was amazing, he inspired generations of Johnstown area kids, everyone had such great pride in being associated with him. RIP, glad I was never in your bracket!
Yeah, and think what he accomplished in football.
Never played college football. Steelers took a flyer on him in the 12th round of the draft. He made the team, worked his way into the starting lineup at Offensive Guard and ended up going to a Pro Bowl.
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