1966-67 & 1967-68 Wrestling Team

Inducted: 1998

The Wayne State wrestling program was conceived in 1962 by J.B. Merriman and from its very beginning was a winning program. The 1966 team posted a record of 8-2 and finished first in both the NCC (Nebraska College Conference) and the NAIA District. Heavyweight Bob Kruse placed third at the NAIA National meet that season after taking second in 1965.The 1967 team finished with a record of 12-3 and finished first in the Nebraska Collegiate Conference and second in the NAIA District. In 1968, the Wildcats went 10-2 and was first in the NCC and second in the NAIA District. Four wrestlers from the 1968 team earned NAIA All-American honors as Larry Michelson took first at 152 pounds, Tom Firestack placed second at heavyweight, Bill Schwarz was fourth at 123 pounds and Jeff Meineke finished fifth at 130 pounds. The 1966-67 and 1967-78 WSC wrestling teams were inducted into the WSC Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.