SRU Wrestling History
Slippery Rock University Wrestling Legacy
- Program Origins: Started in 1958 with a student coach. Tragically, during the 4th match of the year at Edinboro, wrestler Alan Methven was injured and passed away, leading to the program’s suspension for the remainder of that season.
- Resumption & Leadership: In 1959, a faculty coach was hired and the program resumed. Over the years, 8 faculty members have served as head wrestling coach at SRU, with 3 being alumni.
- Participation & Impact: Approximately 700 students have wrestled at SRU; more than 100 alumni have gone on to coach the sport.
- Overall Record: Over 48 seasons, the teams compiled a record of 362-294-7 (55% winning percentage).
- Notable Seasons: The 1969-70 team went undefeated at 19-0-0. The 1974 team placed 10th at the NCAA Division I National Championships.
- Elite Achievements: SRU produced an Olympic Bronze Medalist (Stan Dziedzic); 6 National Champions; 12 Division I All-Americans; 12 College Division All-Americans; 55 Regional Champions; and 38 PSAC Champions.
- Discontinuation & Future: The varsity program was discontinued after the 2006 season due to budget constraints (along with several other sports). Exciting update: In late 2025, SRU announced the return of men’s varsity wrestling, set to resume at the NCAA Division II level starting in the 2027-28 academic year.
- SRU Athletic Hall of Fame Wrestlers: 14 inductees include: Jon Paul Albitz, Anthony Calderaio, Derek DelPorto, Stan Dziedzic, Gerald Johnson, Robert Hannan, Don Henry, Rod Irwin, Fred Powell, Steve Roberts, Bill Shuffstall, Jack Spates, Rick Thompson, Chuck Tursky. See the SRU Hall of Fame for more info at https://rockathletics.com/honors/hall-of-fame?type=sport