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Gray Simons finished his college career by setting a new standard in college wrestling. Seven national championships, college wrestling’s first four-time title winner in any division to go along with two Olympic appearances. The Olympic disappointment didn’t last long as Gray Simons returned to Mat Town to take over its proud wrestling program.
Simons was primed to lead the program to new heights, taking over as the program’s head coach after his distinguished competitive career. But could Simons build the Bald Eagles into a winner against the nation’s heavyweights or would something else stand in his way?
Episode 3: Mat Town’s Championship Era looks at Gray Simons’ return to Lock Haven.
Previous Episodes
Ep. 1 Unrolling Granby | Ep. 2 Masterful Mite
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About Gray Simons (From NWHOF.org)
During his four years of collegiate competition at Lock Haven University, Gray Simons entered seven national tournaments. He won all seven, and six times was voted outstanding wrestler of the event.
Four years he reigned supreme at 115 pounds in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and all four years was chosen the NAIA's finest, an unparalleled achievement. Three times he won the University Division title in the NCAA and as a junior and senior was voted the outstanding competitor.
The only two defeats of his 93 collegiate matches came early in his freshman season. He then proceeded to win 84 in a row.
In the two years after his graduation, while stationed at the U.S. Military Academy, he continued to annex national championships in military, YMCA and AAU competition. He won the gold medal in the 1963 World Military Games.
Gray Simons twice represented his country in the Olympic Games, in 1960 and 1964.
