Hall of Fame
When it comes to the storied history of athletics at the College, the wrestling team from the 1978-79 season has one claim that no other team can make. They were the first Lion team to win an NCAA Division III Championship.
The Lions collected 77.75 points at the championships, just edging out SUNY Brockport, which finished with 77.50.
The run leading up to the national event was an impressive one as the Lions posted a perfect 15-0 record in dual meets. That record is even more remarkable considering they boasted victories over NCAA Division I University of Georgia and Army. The Lions then won the Metropolitan Conference crown and the NCAA Division III Eastern Regional Championship.
Senior Mike Rossetti led the strong effort by the Lions at the NCAA championship event held at Humbolt State in California by reeling in the title at 126 pounds making him the program’s first four-time All-American. He was also a two-time national champion.
The Lions had two national runners-up as Mike Jacoutot placed second at 134 pounds and Britt Mock finished in that same spot at 176 pounds as both garnered All-American recognition.
The list of All-Americans included two more as Andy Zuckerman and Mickey Aiken each placed fifth. Zuckerman wrestled at 118 pounds, while Aikens took the mat as a heavyweight.
The honors weren’t limited to the wrestlers as head coach David Icenhower was named as the coach of the year by both the Metropolitan Conference and the NCAA.
Four other Lions were key contributors at the national championships as Gerald Johnson, Marty Breithoff, Phil Godbolt and Dave Dinicola also competed. Johnson wrestled at 142 pounds, Breithoff at 150, Godbolt at 158, and Dinicola at 177.
Adding to the team’s success over the course of the season also included Ed Marion at 134 pounds, Kevin Walzak at 167, Bud Schweder at 190 and Joe Scott at heavyweight.
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