A Look Back at the Rich History of the Boise State Wrestling Program, 1959 2017
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A Look Back at the Rich History of the Boise State Wrestling Program, 1959 - 2017
A HISTORY WORTH REPEATING
The history of the Boise State Wrestling program dates back to just over sixty years
ago when at the time the university was only a small junior college in the Treasure
Valley (aka, Boise College, founded in 1932). Leading the Broncos in their inaugural
season (1959-’60) was accomplished coach and alumni Ray Lewis. Coach Lewis
began his coaching career at Boise College in 1956 when he took on the
responsibilities as the defensive coordinator for the football team, as well as the
head track and field coach where his program won eight conference titles during his
tenure. The first wrestling season for Coach Lewis was a difficult one where his
young team lost a majority of their dual meets and placed fourth in the Intermountain Collegiate Athletic
Conference (ICAC). The program progressively improved in the following years, where in 1961 they produced
three conference champions; Wayland Vance, Dennis Faulk, and Gail Wright. The following season, Boise
College won their first ICAC team title and another in 1963, producing five individual champions in Wayland
Vance, Bud Johnson, Ray Schnabel, Bill Pederson, and Ken Runyon . Additionally, three Broncos qualified for the
Junior College Nationals (aka, JUCO) with Bud Johnson and Bill Pederson winning individual titles, while Vance
finished runner-up (All three earned All-American honors). In the next several years, three other wrestlers won
individual ICAC titles. They include, Ron Wright (1964), Ron Warner (1965), and Ed Terry in 1968. Terry also
reached the National JUCO finals and earned All-American honors. Despite winning a team title in 1963, the
Broncos did not produce another title for the remainder of the 1960s, but earned runner-up finishes in 1966,
’67, and ’68 respectively.
During the 1968-’69 season, Boise College transitioned from a junior college to a four year institute and became
known as Boise State College (BSC). The same year, Dr. Bill Bowman took over the program from Ray Lewis.
Prior to, Dr. Bowman had spent twelve years coaching at Boise High School. In his first season, Dr. Bowman
produced a 6-9-1 record and then improved to 9-8 in 1970. During the 1971 season, BSC left the ICAC for the Big
Sky Conference and had several wrestlers perform well that season. Led by Big Sky runner-up, Bruce Edgerton
(150s), other Broncos placing in the top four included Ron Thompson (118s), Bill Knox (126s), Tom Herrington
(134s), Pat Valiant (142s), and Bruce White at 158s. The Broncos also finished second in the conference that
season and again in 1972.
6x PAC 10 CHAMPIONS
10x BIG SKY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
The year 1973 was the beginning of a great new era at BSC. After serving a couple of years as an assistant
coach under Dr. Bill Bowman, Mike Young became the third Head Coach to lead the Broncos. An
accomplished prep and collegiate wrestler, Coach Young was a three-time Idaho State High School Champion
and earned two Western Athletic Conference (WAC) titles for Brigham Young University. In addition, he won
a Gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Championships and two Bronze medals at the World Freestyle
Championships in 1967 and 1970. Additionally, Mike earned a Bronze at the prestigious Tbilisi Wrestling
Tournament held in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. At that time, Tbilisi was considered the toughest
tournament in the world, even tougher than the Olympics. Coach Young’s success as an athlete carried over
to his coaching responsibilities where he produced one of the most successful programs in the Big Sky
Conference and continued with that trend when BSC transferred into the PAC 10 in 1988. His tenure as head
coach is among the longest (1973-2002) and hands down one of the most successful in the school’s history
(for all sports). Coach Young’s coaching accomplishments include winning a record 10 Big Sky Conference
Team titles (5 runner-up finishes), 2 PAC 10 team titles (2 runner-up finishes), 10 individual Division I All-
Americans (14 All-American honors total), 38 Individual Big Sky Champions (65 total championships), and 10
individual PAC 10 Champions. On a final note, Coach Young produced the school’s first NCAA Division I All-
American in 1975 when 4x Big Sky Champion, Dave Chandler (HOF) placed 5th in the 158 pound weight group.
Additionally, he was the Big Sky Conference Coach-of-the-Year four times and coached Boise’s first NCAA
Champion in Kirk White (only 3x All-American) and in 1987 was inducted into the Boise State Hall-of-Fame.
Other outstanding wrestlers Young coached during his tenure include Scott Barrett (4x Big Sky
Champion/NCAA All-American), Randy Watson (4x Big Sky Champion/HOF), Ben Coronado (4x Big Sky
Champion), Stan Armstrong (3x Big Sky Champion/HOF), Tracy Yeates (3x Big Sky Champion), Kevin Woods (3x
Big Sky Champion/HOF), and Larry Quisel (2x PAC 10 Champion/2x All-American).
“When I think back on my years at Boise State, it brings back a
smile. They were good times; they were great times, some sad
times and very few bad times. But all of my time there was
worthwhile and I cherish the memories. For me, my years as
wrestling coach were some of the best years of my life. Not just
from the experience, but from all of the friendships that I made. My
ex-wrestlers and ex-boosters some of which have become my best
friends. I miss my old friend, the wrestling program at Boise State. I
wish it could’ve endured, but my friendships that I brought away
have endured . Hello and goodbye to everyone. An old friend.”
- Mike Young, Head Coach 1973-2002
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
The 2002-’03 season was the transition phase from longtime
Head Coach Mike Young to assistant coach Greg Randall taking
the reins after Boise won the PAC 10 the year prior. Similar to
Coach Young, Randall was also an accomplished prep and
collegiate wrestler. Known for his “take’m down and let ‘em up
and take’m down again” technique, Coach Randall won four 2A
State Championships while attending Mt. Vernon High School in
Iowa (produced a 123-3-2 prep record). He then carried over his
talents to the University of Iowa where he wrestled under
legendary coach Dan Gable, an Olympic and World Champion.
At Iowa, Coach Randall was an NCAA runner-up at 134 pounds
in 1984 and 1986 while placing fifth as a junior. Competing on
the international level in 1989, Randall won the gold medal at
the Pan American games, as well as second at the U.S. Open and
U.S Olympic Festival. Continuing the school’s winning tradition Photo: Boise St. Athletics
in the new millennium, Coach Randall produced four PAC 10
Championship teams (5 runner-up finishes), 20 individual PAC
10 Champions (a total of 36 titles titles), 12 NCAA All-Americans 2002 Rookie Coach-of-the-Year
(a total of 16 All-American honors), and coached the school’s
second NCAA Champion, Ben Cherrington in 2006 (PAC 10
Champion and Wrestler of the Year recipient). Other
GREG RANDALL
outstanding wrestlers under his leadership include Jason
5 PAC 10/12 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Chamberlain (2x All-American/3x PAC 10 Champion/OW),
10 TOP 2 FINISHES IN PAC 10/12 CONFERENCE
Andrew Hochstrasser (2x All-American/2x PAC 10 Champion),
12 INDIVIDUAL NCAA ALL-AMERICANS
Adam Hall (2x All-American, 2x PAC 10 Champion), Kirk Smith
20 INDIVIDUAL PAC 10/12 CHAMPIONS
(2x All-American/2x PAC 10 Champion/OW), Ben VomBaur (2x
ROOKIE COACH-OF-THE YEAR 2002 (AWN)
All-American/2x PAC 10 Champion), Jake Swartz (All-
American/3x PAC 10 Champion/OW), Tyler Sherfey (All-
American), Collin Robertson (All-American), and Boe Rushton
(All-American), and Geo Martinez (All-American/2x PAC 10
Champion) to name a few of many.
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
Despite the program’s long successful history, which concluded with the last three Boise wrestlers earning NCAA All-Americans honors in 2013, ’14, and ’16 respectively, the University’s administration decided to take the wrestling program in a different course after the 2015 – ’16 season. Considering the program was not faring well in dual meet competitions for the last several years to this point, the writing was on the wall that change was imminent. With just over two decades of tenure, both as an assistant and head coach, Coach Randall was let go and replaced with Mike Mendoza, a longtime member of the Cal State University of Bakersfield program (approximately 20 years); wrestler, assistant coach, and head coach for six seasons (NOTE: Boise Assistant Coach Taylor Meeks was the interim Head Coach during the transition). Not only was Randall let go, other members of the coaching staff were released prior to, which included veteran assistant Chris Owens (2x All-American for Oklahoma State), a strong fixture to the program’s success for over two decades. This decision placed Boise State Wrestling on a trajectory of unknown territory. Unbeknownst to many, this was the beginning of the end for a program that had produced a rich history for nearly six decades. Taking the helm as the fourth head coach in the school’s history, and in spite of the major shakeup, Mendoza brought to the program considerable Division I coaching experience, credentials, and optimism. Joining his staff were Riley Orozco (CSU Bakersfield alumni) and Boise State alumni Levi Jones and Andrew Hochstrasser. What appeared to be a transition point and new beginning for the program ended up only being a very short half-life and came to an abrupt end to a long legacy upon the completion of the 2016 – ’17 season. Finishing the season with a 2-9 record, Mendoza had two wrestlers qualify to the NCAA tournament and one PAC 12 finalist. Academically, his team made the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Top 30 Academic Programs list and led the Broncos to the highest team GPA in 16 years. Before I recount the final days of the program, it’s imperative to mention the instrumental role that the assistant coach(es) contributes to a program. Routinely, it is the Head Coach that is at the forefront of a program’s success and well-being. To sum it up, among the primary roles of the head coach is to be the CEO of the program, the leader that sets the tempo and vision, but it’s the assistant or assistants that integrate themselves in the day-to-day dynamics of a program; practice, mentoring, academics, physical and psychological preparation, and recruiting to name a few responsibilities. This is not to say that a Head Coach does not perform any of these functions, because they do. During the long history of the Boise State wrestling program, several assistants fulfilled this role and made a major impact to the program’s successful history. For instance, longtime Head Coach Mike Young was first an assistant under Dr. Bill Bowman for several years before taking the reins in the early 1970s. Another is Greg Randall, who filled the assistant role for nine years under Mike Young before he became the Head Coach in 2002. Throughout the nearly sixty years of the Boise Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
State wrestling history, many assistant coaches have come
and gone, but two that held long tenures and contributed a
great deal to the high caliber of the program were Chris
Owens and alumni Kirk White. With a combined coaching
tenure of thirty plus years with Boise State, each took on their
coaching responsibilities with a myriad of personal
accomplishments and credentials. Prior to coaching at Boise
State, Coach Owens earned two All-American honors at
Oklahoma State in 1990 and 1992, placing third and second,
respectively (injured his senior season); whereas, Coach
White became the first NCAA Champion and three-time All-
American for the Broncos in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
He also had a successful national and international career,
earning a silver medal at the World Cup, as well as a silver at
the Pan American Games in 2003 and 2004. Together, their
hard work and commitment elevated Boise State to one of
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
the top programs in the country during the early to mid-
2000s, evident with the surge of individual All-Americans, NCAA Champions (L to R): Kirk White and Ben
Cherrington during their assistant coaching days at
several PAC 10 team titles (top 2 finishes inclusive), and top Boise State.
25 finishes at the NCAAs. Additionally, both Owens and White
contributed a great deal with the signing of top level recruits.
Other assistants that contributed through the years include
Scott Barrett (alumni), Jerry Elliott (alumni), Brad Penrith,
Greg Randall, Mike Davies, Glenn Amador, Levi Jones
(alumni), Rusty Cook (Alumni), Andrew Hochstrasser (alumni),
Ben Cherrington (Alumni), Tommy Owen (Alumni), Dave
Burnett, David “Doc” Bennett (National HOF), and Riley
Orozco to name several. Altogether, their contributions
bolstered Boise’s long and successful performance in the Big
Sky Conference, PAC 10 Conference, and NCAAs.
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
As of this writing, it has been just over four years since the program was discontinued. The decision by the administration to drop wrestling from the Boise State athletic program was a big shock to many at the time and sent shockwaves throughout the entire state of Idaho and across the nation, an impact that continues to be felt to this day. Among the many reasons for discontinuing wrestling include the desire to reinstate the baseball program, budgetary challenges (not able to sponsor baseball and wrestling at the same time), and to better align its programs with the Mountain West Conference (There were claims that the Mountain West Conference had no active wrestling programs, but ironically Air Force and Wyoming each field programs, which currently compete in the Big 12). Additionally, the administration stated that since baseball was the only Mountain West-sponsored sport not offered by Boise State, the addition of baseball would strengthen the long-term brand and reputation of the university on a national level. Ironically, the wrestling program had already accomplished this feat with several top 25 NCAA finishes, two NCAA Champions, and multiple All-Americans being produced in the early to mid-2000s. In the end, the dots just did not connect and any justifications to discontinue wrestling did not make any logical sense. Fast forward to the year 2020 and once again, the university experienced a dose of “DEJA VU,” but this time with baseball. The year 2020 will be remembered for many decades, if not well into the next century for the onslaught of impacts that the COVID pandemic had on all facets of our society. Collegiate sports were not immune to this reality and as a result the baseball program was dropped due to budgetary challenges, reduced revenues and potential loss of income from the football and basketball programs. So, even if the wrestling program was not discontinued in 2017, it’s not difficult to surmise that it would have potentially been on the chopping block along with other sports in 2020. Regardless, the storied wrestling program is not here today and that reality needs to change course. The current state of wrestling in Idaho is looking very positive and doing well at the youth and high school levels. Among the leading indicators has been with the high level performances on the national scene, such as the Fargo USA Nationals, Folkstyle Nationals, and World Team Trials (16U & Juniors). For instance, Idaho produced 13 All-Americans, 3 Champions, and 8 finalists at this year’s World Team Trials (Freestyle & Greco- Roman), 14 All-Americans (3 Champions) at the Folkstyle Nationals, as well as sending its largest contingent to Fargo with 109 wrestlers and producing a record number of All-Americans at twenty-four in all divisions (The record prior to 2021 was 15 All-Americans with an annual average of 12 since the early part of the new millennium). Additionally, the state of wrestling at the middle school level is doing very well, too, and is presently fielding good numbers. Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
Having had the personal experience of coaching at Heritage Middle School and Rocky Mountain High School in
Meridian, I witnessed firsthand the wrestling scene in the greater Treasure Valley and throughout the state. In
my humble opinion, what is currently happening in the Gem State is a byproduct of the quality of coaching,
volunteers, and great resources available at this time. For example, the greater Treasure Valley along with
other sectors of Idaho are fortunate to have several coaches and volunteers with not only collegiate, but
international level experience, which in return has increased the aptitude of its wrestling populous to greater
levels. This is not to say that anyone presently coaching or desiring to coach needs to have collegiate or
international experience to be an effective coach or leader because there are many out there that have led
great programs without (my personal mentor and coach at Chabot College, Zack Papachristos never wrestled,
but is among the winningest coaches in California JC history). The ability to promote, motivate, and inspire is
more of a character trait than what can be taught and applied to easily. Nonetheless, on average, athletes that
are exposed to higher levels of competition (collegiate and international), tend to cause a positive “rippling
effect” in their respective communities whether they are coaching or even volunteering in the sport. For
instance, this is evident with power states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio where wrestling is king. As of 2020,
Pennsylvania (Population – Approximately 13 million) fields 45 collegiate level programs (NCAA DI, DII, DII,
NAIA, and JC) with the state of Ohio (Population – Approximately 12 million) fielding 24. Presently, Idaho has
just one collegiate level program with North Idaho College competing in the National Junior College Athletic
Association, and considering the ratio of population to wrestling opportunities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, there
should be around four programs offered in our state (approaching pop. of 1.9 million). According to the
National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), the following colleges fielded programs in the state of Idaho
within the last fifty years. Only one program exists today and that is troubling considering the present talent at
the youth and high school levels:
COLLEGE DIVISION STATUS
NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE NJCAA ACTIVE PROGRAM
BOISE STATE NCAA DIVISION I DISCONTINUED in 2017
BYU-Idaho (formerly Ricks College) NJCAA Discontinued in 2002
Northwest Nazarene NAIA Discontinued in 1988
Idaho State NCAA Division I/II Discontinued in 1986
University of Idaho NCAA Division I Discontinued in 1973
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
Among the downsides of not having an active DI program in Idaho, such as Boise State or any other program at this level, is that in time the “rippling effect” as mentioned prior will gradually move towards the negative side of the spectrum, especially as more of today’s experienced coaches and volunteers with collegiate or international experience begin to retire. The net result of this transitional change is it will become increasingly more difficult to hire new high school or middle school coaches with the same all- around wrestling aptitude, experience, and commitment as their predecessors (e.g., year around program, which includes running a club program in the off-season, as well as coaching at or supporting other coaches at the middle school level feeder program). Unfortunately, I observed this trend take place in California back in the late 1980s and 1990s when a significant number of programs (all divisions) were discontinued for various reasons (e.g., Title IX – Proportionality) and progressively through time areas of the state that were once hotbeds for wrestling depleted to levels that are not as highly competitive today. The common denominator was that when experienced coaches began to retire, they were not being replaced with coaches having the same wrestling aptitude or commitment to lead year round programs. There were exceptions, but far and in between (when college programs were plentiful in California, the number of teacher/coaches produced was far greater, which had a big impact to the middle to high school programs throughout the state). During my writing of this article, I had the opportunity to meet up with and talk to several coaches, clinicians, and volunteers, which included Boise State alumni Kevin Woods (formerly coached at Eagle HS and several other schools in the region), Brad Muri (Meridian HS Head Coach), Pat Owens (Kuna HS Head Coach), Russell Brunson (Assistant Coach at Rocky Mountain HS), Ben Cherrington (Clinician/NCAA Champion), Stanford graduate Spence Patrick (formerly competed for and coached at Mountain View High School), Mike Randles (Coach/Administrator Coeur d’ Alene HS), Dusty Vaughn (Adam State alumni/Head Coach at Skyview HS in Nampa), World Silver medalist Ivan Ivanov (founder and coach at Suples Wrestling Club), Cliff Laughlin (Olympic Freestyle Team Coaching Staff 1996), Mitko Georgiev (Suples Coach/European & World Team member), Dave “Doc” Bennett (National HOF/ Former National Developmental Freestyle Coach for USA), and Idaho USA Wrestling Director Chris Owens (2x All-American at Oklahoma State) to name a few. All are committed to the growth, improvement, and well-being of wrestling in Idaho and have made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of wrestlers. I know there are many more coaches throughout the state that I have not met, who are doing the same, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of them in the near future. Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
At the end of the day, “IRON SHARPENS IRON” and what is presently occurring in Idaho stems from the resources that were produced from the past Boise State program coupled by many other factors, such as highly experienced coaches (national and international accolades), volunteers, and clinicians that have spent countless hours creating the solid foundation, which is on full display both locally and on the national stage. Additionally, the rapid growth of the state’s population in various parts of the state, such as the Treasure Valley and Coeur d’ Alene area, is ushering in increased numbers of grade school to high school level kids with wrestling experience, experienced coaches, and volunteers from adjacent states and abroad, which is impacting the wrestling landscape and will continue to do so in the years to come. The Boise State wrestling program has had a long and successful rich history beginning over sixty years ago with Coach Ray Lewis in 1959, followed by the long tenure of Mike Young (1973-2002), Greg Randall (2002-2016), to the final season in 2017 with Mike Mendoza. The memory of its great existence, its legacy, and the impact it has had on the state of Idaho and abroad, shall never be forgotten. Furthermore, It must also be noted that the Boise State program not only created many outstanding athletes, but exceptional people who have gone on to be great leaders in their respective communities and business world. As wrestlers, we have been taught to never give up, always press forward, even in the midst of the toughest of situations. Well, this situation is no different. It may be a long shot, but I believe we need to restart the conversation of reinstating the Boise State wrestling program (perhaps including a Women’s program as well). Considering the loss of Texas and the University of Oklahoma in the Big 12 and the desire of the PAC 12 to add more wrestling programs, the timing couldn’t be any better. The impacts of the COVID pandemic may have slowed down past efforts to continue the fight to reinstate the program, I am not certain, but I know it’s fresh in the minds of many. The BIG QUESTION at this point is, where do we go from here? Who do we contact to get the conversation restarted? Is it the current Athletic Director, the President of Boise State, local Representatives, alumni, and the many supporters of wrestling in Idaho and abroad? I have a strong belief that through a consolidated effort, the probability of reinstating it back to varsity status is a long shot, but more than possible. Simply put, Boise State needs wrestling, the state of Idaho needs additional collegiate programs (North Idaho College is the only active program), and the youth of today deserve a program of this stature to be available in their home state. The current state of wrestling at the grassroots to high school levels in Idaho is thriving (possibly the best ever) and to reinstate the once great program (or any program for that matter) will have a long lasting positive effect for generations to come. To sum it up from what I have been able to observe and learn from my extensive research of the Boise State wrestling program, “IT’S A HISTORY WORTH REPEATING.” Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The process to put this project together was long, challenging, a labor of love, but in the end necessary.
What I learned about the Boise State wrestling program and its history went far beyond my understanding
or perception prior to moving to Idaho. It didn’t take me very long to understand the deep rooted history
and influences it has had on many individuals, the wrestling community, and the state of Idaho. A “BIG
THUMBS UP” and “THANK YOU” to Kevin Wood, Coach Mike Young, Chris Owens, Ben Cherrington, Adam
Hall, Stan Armstrong, Kirk White, Cliff Laughlin, David “Doc” Bennett, Russell Brunson, Brad Muri, and many
others for providing me with the insight, process knowledge, and detailed history of the storied program.
This project would not have been possible without their support. Appreciate it! The remainder of this
article/project highlights the nearly sixty year history depicted in photos, statistics, and highlights dating
back to 1959. Enjoy!
Photo: TIER 1 Wrestling
GIVING BACK TO THE IDAHO WRESTLING COMMUNITY (L to R): Cliff Laughlin (1996 Olympic Coach), Ben Cherrington (NCAA
Champion, Boise State), Al Fontes (TIER 1 Wrestling Editor), Chris Owens (Idaho USA Wrestling Director, longtime Boise Assistant
Coach), and David “Doc” Bennett (National HOF) attending a youth and high school level clinic at Skyview High School in Nampa.
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021HISTORY OF THE BOISE STATE
WRESTLING PROGRAM
1959 - 2017
ICAC – JUCO - BIG SKY CONFERENCE – PAC 10/12 – NCAA
CHAMPIONS & ALL-AMERICANS
Gail Wright Bud Johnson Dave Chandler
ICAC CHAMPION ‘61 JUCO NATIONAL CHAMPION ‘63 NCAA ALL-AMERICAN ‘75
Stan Armstrong Kirk White Ben Cherrington
3x BIG SKY CHAMPION ’84-‘86 NCAA CHAMPION ‘99 NCAA CHAMPION ‘06
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021ICAC CHAMPIONS/JUCO ALL-AMERICANS
1959-‘68
DENNIS FAULK BILL PEDERSON (HOF Class of ’83) WAYLAND VANCE
1961 ICAC Champion 1963 JUCO National Champion 2x ICAC Champion (1961, ’63)
JUNIOR COLLEGE ALL-AMERICANS (JUCO)
Bud Johnson – Champion, 1963
Bill Pederson – Champion, 1963
Wayland Vance – 2nd Place, 1963
Ed Terry – 2nd Place, 1968
ICAC CHAMPIONS
Dennis Faulk, 1961
Gail Wright, 1961
Wayland Vance, 1961, ‘63
Ray Schnabel, 1963
Bud Johnson, 1963
Bill Pederson, 1963
Ken Runyon, 1963
Ron Wright, 1964
Ron Warner, 1965 BUD JOHNSON (HOF Class of ’83)
Ed Terry, 1968 1963 JUCO National Champion/ICAC Champion
INTERMOUNTAIN COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (ICAC)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021TEAM HISTORY – ICAC 1959-‘70
1962 – ’63 ICAC Conference Team Champions
Photo: The Mane Attraction Newsletter, BSC
Intermountain Collegiate Athletic Conference (ICAC)
ICAC TEAM CHAMPIONS
1962, ‘63
ICAC RUNNER-UP FINISHES
1966, ’67, ‘68
Historical members of the ICAC
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20211963 ICAC INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
Photo: College of Southern Utah Athletics
Bottom Row (L to R): Ray Schnabel (Boise College), Tyre Bullock (College of Southern Utah), Roland
Manwarury (Ricks College), Wayland Vance (Boise College), and Ken Runyon (Boise College).
Top Row (L to R): Tony Copper (College of Southern Utah), Bill Pederson (Boise College), and Bud Johnson
(Boise College), Mike Kolendich (Ricks College), and Kirk Dalke (Snow College).
BOISE COLLEGE PRODUCES
RECORD 5 CHAMPIONS
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021TEAM HISTORY – ICAC 1959-‘70
Boise College in the Beginning – 1959 – ’60 (Inaugural Season)
Photo: The Mane Attraction Newsletter, BSC
1963-‘64 Photo: The Mane Attraction Newsletter, BSC
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021TEAM HISTORY – ICAC 1959-‘70
1964-‘65
1967-’68 ICAC Conference Runner-up
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BIG SKY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
4X CHAMPIONS
142/150 – Ben Coronado, 1982, ’83, ’86, ‘87
126 – Scott Barrett, 1979, ’80, ’81, ’83
150/158 – Randy Watson, 1974, ’75, ’76, ‘77
158 – Dave Chandler, 1972, ’73, ’74, ’75 (2x OW)
3X CHAMPIONS
126/134 – Stan Armstrong, 1984, ’85, ‘86
118/126 – Tracy Yeates, 1983, ’84, ‘86
167 – Kevin Wood, 1979, ’80 (OW), ‘82
177 – Bill Braseth, 1979, ’80, ‘81
2X CHAMPIONS
142 – Randy Schimmel, 1985, ‘86
190 – Harold Wittman, 1981, ‘82
134/142 – Brad Allred, 1978, ‘79
177/190 – Tim Mathews, 1976, ‘77
177/190 – Steve Needs, 1976, ‘77
142 – Jeff Howell, 1974, ‘75 TOTAL OF 12 BIG SKY
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
134 – Tom Harrington, 1972, ’73
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
1X CHAMPIONS
134 – Travis Krawl, 1987
285 – Pat McDade, 1987 Back row (L to R): Randy Schimmel (2x),
150 - Dan Bicandi, 1984 Ben Coronado (4x)
190 – John Bauman, 1983 Bottom row (L to R): Stan Armstrong
134 – Clay Armstrong, 1982 (3x), Tracy Yeates (3x)
134 – James Williams, 1981
167 – Homer Lord, 1981
142 – Doug Pugmire, 1980
150 – Dan Bicandi, 1984
118 – Mark Jordine, 1978 (OW)
126 – Leon Madson, 1978
177 – Roy Rose, 1978
118 – Hector Cedillo, 1977
167 – Lou Grasso, 1977
150 – Dan Warren, 1976
167 – Don Evans, 1976
285 – Ed Ritt, 1976
190 – Shane Colburn, 1975
285 – Mark Bittick, 1975
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
126 – Mark Hatten, 1974
167 – Greg Leonard, 1974
177 – Rory Needs, 1974 TIM MATTHEWS
190 – Jerry Elliott, 1972 2x Big Sky Conference Champion
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BIG SKY CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
DAN WARREN – Big Sky Conference Champion
BIG SKY CONF. CHAMPIONS: Allred, Madson, Jordine, and Rose.
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
TOM HERRINGTON - 2x Big Sky Conference Champion (Photo: The Mane Attraction)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021TEAM HISTORY – BIG SKY CONFERENCE
1978 Big Sky Conference Team Champions
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
1974, ’75, ’76, ’77, ’78, ’79, ’80, ’82, ’85, ‘86
CONFERENCE RUNNER-UP FINISHES Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
1971, ’72, ’81, ’83, ‘87 Coach Mike Young (Center)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20214x BIG SKY
CONFERENCE CHAMPION
1974 - ‘77 (Undefeated)
4x NCAA
QUALIFIER
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
RANDY WATSON
BOISE STATE HOF (Class of 1987)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20214x BIG SKY
CONFERENCE CHAMPION
1982-‘87
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
BEN CORONADO
4x NCAA QUALIFIER
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20213x BIG SKY
CONFERENCE CHAMPION
1984-‘86
STAN ARMSTRONG
“The Boise State wrestling
program gave me an opportunity
to grow up, experience life…Learn
about winning and losing. It was a
great teacher.”
- Stan Armstrong
3x NCAA
QUALIFIER
BOISE STATE BIG SKY
HOF ALL-ACADEMIC
(Class of 1992) HONORS
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20213x BIG SKY
CONFERENCE CHAMPION
(1980 OW)
1979-‘82
KEVIN WOOD
Boise State
HOF
“Being able to wrestle at Boise State was a
dream I had for many
Classyears. It allowed me
of 1988
to compete in front of family, friends, and
former coaches. It allowed me to compete
nationally against some of the best
wrestlers in the entire world. It also
brought into my life new friends from
wrestling and academics that 40 years
later are still lifelong friends. I could have
gone other places, but my life would have
been substantially different than the life
that I know now. I owe that to Boise
State Wrestling Program.”
- Kevin Wood
3x NCAA
QUALIFIER BOISE STATE HOF
(Class of 1988)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021TEAM HISTORY – PAC 10/12
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
PAC 10/12 CHAMPIONS
2000, 2002, ’04, 08, ’09, ’11*
PAC 10/12 RUNNER-UP FINISHES
1999, ’01, ’03, ’05, ’10, ’12*, ‘13*
*PAC 12
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021PAC 10/12 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
3X CHAMPIONS
184 – Jacob Swartz, 2012, ’13, ’14**
149 – Jason Chamberlain, 2009, ’11, ’13**
184/197 – Brent Chriswell, 2008, ’09, ’12
133 – Scott Jorgensen, 2004, ’05, ‘06
2X CHAMPIONS
141/149 – Geo Martinez, 2015, ‘16
157 – Adam Hall, 2010, ‘11
133 – Andrew Hochstrasser, 2009, ‘11
184 – Kirk Smith, 2009, ’10**
174 – Nate Lee, 2008, ‘09
149/157 – Ben Cherrington, 2005, ’06**
133/141 – Jesse Brock, 2002, ’04
125 – Ben VomBaur, 2001, ‘03 SCOTT JORGENSEN
197 – Rusty Cook, 2000, ‘01 3x PAC 10 Champion
157 – Larry Quisel, 1999, ‘00 (Photo: John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)
150 – Nels Nelson, 1991, ‘92
CHAMPIONS
157 – Chris Castillo, 2016
133 – Brian Owen, 2012
157 – Georgi Ivanov, 2012
165 – Kurt Swartz, 2011
165 – Tyler Sherfrey, 2009
133 – Cory Fish, 2008
285 – Jacob McGinnis, 2004
141 – Gabe Vigil, 2003
149 – Collin Robertson, 2002
133 – K.C. Rock, 2000 (OW)
165 – Kirk White, 1999
142 – Dustin Young, 1997
285 – Pat McDade, 1989 GEO MARTINEZ
2x Pac 12 Champion/All-American
** WRESTLER OF THE YEAR (Photo: Tony Rotundo, WAW)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021PAC 10/12 WRESTLING HONORS
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR ALL-ACADEMIC TEAMS (Cont.)
184 – Jake Swartz, 2014 2011 – Josh Straight, First Team
149 – Jason Chamberlain, 2013 2011 – Jake Swartz, Second Team
184 – Kirk Smith, 2010 2010 – Alan Bartelli, First Team
157 – Ben Cherrington, 2006 2010 – Adam Hall, First Team
2010 – Kirk Smith, Second Team
COACH OF THE YEAR 2009 – Adam Hall, First Team
Greg Randall, 2008, ‘09 2009 – Alan Bartelli, Second Team
Mike Young, 1999, ‘00, ’02 2008 – Adam Hall, Second Team
2007 – Justin Smith, First Team
FRESHMAN/NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR 2007 – Jeffrey Newby, Second Team
Geo Martinez, 2015 2006 – Lex Case, First Team
Jason Chamberlain, 2009 2006 – Casey Phelps, First Team
Kirk Smith, 2008 2005 – Lex Case, First Team
Tyler Sherfey, 2006 2004 – Jesse Brock, Second Team
Andrew Hochstrasser, 2005 2004 – Casey Phelps, Second Team
2003 – Pat Owens, First Team
ALL-ACADEMIC TEAMS 2003 – Jesse Brock, Second Team
2017 – Kaydn Del Toro, First Team 2003 – Collin Robertson, Second Team
2017 – Dakota Wall, First Team 2003 – Ben VomBaur, Second Team
2017 – Carson Kuhn, Second Team 2002 – Jesse Brock, First Team
2016 – Geo Martinez, Second Team 2002 – Pat Owens, First Team
2016 – Jake Velarde, Second Team 2001 – Pat Owens, First Team
2015 – Carson Kuhn, Second Team 2001 – Kirk White, First Team
2014 – J.T. Felix, First Team 2001 – Jesse Brock, Second Team
2014 – Jake Swartz, First Team 2001 – Rusty Cook, Second Team
2014 – Holden Packard, Second Team 2000 – Larry Quisel, First Team
2014 – Rami Haddadin, Second Team 2000 – Kirk White, First Team
2013 – Jake Swartz, First Team 1999 – Larry Quisel, First Team
2013 – J.T. Felix, Second Team 1999 – Kirk White, First Team
2013 – Holden Packard, Second Team 1997 – Jeremy Clayton, Second Team
2012 – J.T. Felix, First Team 1997 – Adam Swisher, Second Team
2012 – Josh Strait, First Team 1996 – Jeremy Clayton, First Team
2012 – Jake Swartz, First Team 1995 – Mark Taylor, Second Team
2011 – Alan Bartelli, First Team 1993 – Tony Vanek, First Team
2011 – Michael Cuthbertson, First Team 1992 – Nels Nelson, First Team
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021NCWA DIVISION I SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICANS
BOISE STATE WRESTLERS
2016 – Geo Martinez
2014 – J.T. Felix
2014 – Jake Swartz
2013 – Jake Swartz
2013 – J.T. Felix
2012 – Jake Swartz
2011 – Jake Swartz
2011 – Adam Hall
2011 – Alan Bartelli
2010 – Adam Hall
2010 – Kirk Smith
2009 – Adam Hall
2007 – Luke Smith
2003 – Collin Robertson
2003 – Ben VomBaur ADAM HALL
3x NWCA Scholar All-American
2002 – Pat Owens (Photo: Tony Rotundo, WAW)
2000 – Larry Quisel
2000 – Kirk White
2000 – K.C. Rock
1999 – Kirk White
1999 – Larry Quisel
1995 – Brett Bingham
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021NCAA DIVISION I
ALL-AMERICANS
IN MEMORY OF LARRY QUISEL (second from left): 2x NCAA All-American, 2x PAC 10 Champion, Scholar Athlete, and
Gorrarian Award recipient at 1999 NCAAs for most pins in the least amount of time.
2 – NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
21 – INDIVIDUAL ALL-AMERICANS
30 – COMBINED ALL-AMERICAN HONORS
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021NCAA DIVISION I
ALL-AMERICANS
3X ALL-AMERICAN
165 – Kirk White – Champion ’99, 5th ’00, 6th ’01
2X ALL-AMERICANS
149 – Jason Chamberlain, 3rd ’11, 2nd ’13
133 – Andrew Hochstrasser, 4th ’09, 2nd ’11
157 – Adam Hall, 3rd ’10, 5th ‘11
184 – Kirk Smith, 8th ’08, 2nd ’10
125 – Ben VomBaur, 4th ’02, 6th ’03
184 – Cash Edwards, 7th ’00, 6th ’01
157 – Larry Quisel, 3rd ’99, 2nd ‘00 Photo: Boise St. Athletics
ALL-AMERICANS
BRETT BINGHAM – NCAA All-American
149 – Geo Martinez, 8th ‘16
184 – Jake Swartz, 7th ‘14
165 – Tyler Sherfey, 8th ‘09
157 – Ben Cherrington, NCAA Champion ’06
197 – Brent Chriswell, 6th ’09
149 – Collin Robertson, 6th ’03
285 – Boe Rushton, 3rd ’03
197 – Rusty Cook, 4th ‘01
167 – Charles Burton, 3rd ’96
118 – Brett Bingham, 3rd ’94
150 – Nels Nelson, 7th ’92
126 – Scott Barrett, 2nd ’82
158 – Dave Chandler, 5th Place ‘75
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
NELS NELSON – NCAA All-American
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE’S FIRST
NCAA ALL-AMERICAN – 1975
BOISE STATE
HOF DAVE CHANDLER
(Class of1985)
4x BIG SKY CONFERENCE CHAMPION (2x OW)
Photo: Mane Attraction Newsletter
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE’S FIRST
NCAA CHAMPION - 1999
Boise State
HOF
Class of 2007
2x NWCA
Scholar
All-American
PAC 10
Wrestler-of-the-Year
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
KIRK WHITE
PAC 10 CHAMPION/3X NCAA ALL-AMERICAN
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021UNDEFEATED NCAA
CHAMPION - 2006
2x PAC 10
CHAMPION
PAC 10
Wrestler-of-the-Year
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
Boise State BEN CHERRINGTON
HOF “My time in Boise was one of the best periods
of my life. The family and friends I gained
Class of 2020 while attending Boise State is something I
will cherish forever. Having the opportunity
to wrestle and represent Boise State was an
honor each time I was able to step on the
mat. It was a very special program, one
that should still be making its mark on college
wrestling to this day.”
Photo: John Sachs (Tech-Fall.com)
- Ben Cherrington
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20212x NCAA
ALL-AMERICAN
PAC 10
WRESTLER OF THE
YEAR
2010
NWCA
SCHOLAR
ALL-AMERICAN
PAC 10
ALL-ACADEMIC
Photo: John Sachs (Tech-Fall.com)
TEAM
KIRK SMITH
2x PAC 10 CHAMPION
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20212x NCAA
ALL-AMERICAN
4x NCAA
QUALIFER
PAC 10
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
JASON
CHAMBERLAIN
3x PAC 10 CHAMPION
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20212x NCAA
ALL-AMERICAN/FINALIST
2x NWCA
SCHOLAR
ALL--AMERICAN
2x PAC 10
CHAMPION
PAC 10
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
ALL-ACADEMIC
FIRST TEAM (2x)
LARRY QUISEL
NCAA GORRARIAN AWARD (most pins least amount of time)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20212x NCAA
ALL-AMERICAN
PAC 10
ALL-ACADEMIC
TEAM
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
BEN VOMBAUR
2x PAC 10 CHAMPION
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20212x NCAA
ALL-AMERICAN
PAC 10
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
2005
Photo: John Sachs, Tech-Fall
ANDREW
HOCHSTRASSER
2x PAC 10 CHAMPION
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 20212x NCAA
ALL-AMERICAN
“Boise State University and its wrestling program
afforded me an opportunity to get a great education,
create my own athletic history, and develop as a
person. I attended the honors college where I
maximized my academic opportunities and experienced a
deeper level of learning. My teammates and I rewrote
program records in an impressive run of success for a
non-Power 5 conference school. Boise and its
surrounding area allowed us to enjoy an active lifestyle
outside of wrestling as well. My teammates and I
swam, hunted, fished, hiked, whitewater rafted, rock
climbed, skied, and boated during out time in Boise. We
connected with alums and built relationships we still
have to this day. We were a product of our
environment and having opportunities to experience life
alongside our education and sport was a blessing. I
followed a coach (Chris Owens) and a vision of success
to Boise State and would love to see others be able to
ADAM HALL do that in the future.”
- Adam Hall
2x PAC 10 Champion – 3x NWCA Scholar All-American
PAC 10 Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year – PAC 10 All-Academic First Team
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021NCAA
ALL-AMERICAN
4x NWCA
SCHOLAR
ALL-AMERICAN
PAC 10
ALL-ACADEMIC
FIRST TEAM
PAC 10
WRESTLER OF THE
YEAR Photo: Boise St. Athletics
JACOB SWARTZ
3x PAC 10 CHAMPION
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021NCAA
ALL-AMERICAN/FINALIST
BOISE STATE
HOF
(Class of1988)
Photo: Boise ST. Athletics
SCOTT BARRETT
4x BIG SKY CONFERENCE CHAMPION
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE HEAD COACHES 1959 -‘17
1959 – ’68
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
▪ 10 ICAC Individual Champions (11 titles total)
▪ 2 ICAC Conference titles (5 top 2 finishes)
▪ 2 Individual Junior College National Champions
▪ 4 Junior College All-Americans
RAY LEWIS
1968 – ’72
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
▪ Several wrestlers that placed in the top 4 at the
ICAC Conference Championships.
▪ 6-9-1 dual meet record in 1969 and 9-8 in 1970
▪ Team placed 2nd in the Big Sky in 1971
▪ Inducted into the Activities Association Hall-of-
Fame and National Wrestling Hall-of-Fame
Dr. BILL BOWMAN
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE HEAD COACHES 1959 -‘17
1972 – ’02
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
▪ 12 Conference Championships (Big Sky/PAC 10)
▪ 38 Individual Big Sky Champions (65 total)
▪ 10 Individual PAC 10/12 Champions (13 total)
▪ 1 National Champion (Kirk White)
▪ 10 Individual NCAA All-Americans (14 total honors)
▪ 12 Conference Coach-of-the-Year Awards
▪ Brigham Young Hall-of-Fame ‘77
BOISE STATE HOF (Class of ’87)
MIKE YOUNG
2002 – ’16
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
▪ 5 PAC 10/12 Conference Championships
▪ 10 Top 2 finishes in PAC 10/12 Conference
▪ 1 National Champion (Ben Cherrington)
▪ 12 Individual NCAA All-Americans (16 total honors)
▪ 20 Individual PAC 10/12 Champions (34 total honors)
▪ Rookie Coach-of-the-Year 2002 (AWN)
GREG RANDALL
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE HEAD COACHES 1959 -‘17
2016 – ’17
(one season)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Led the Broncos to the highest team GPA in 16 years
• Team made the NWCA Top 30 Academic Programs list
• Qualified two wrestlers to the NCAA Tournament
• 1 PAC 12 Finalist
MIKE MENDOZA
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE
ASSISTANT COACH
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
CHRIS OWENS
“Working at Boise State was a great experience for me
because it gave me the opportunity to fall in love with
coaching. As a coach, it doesn't get any better than
leading a team full of high character individuals that
are willing to dedicate themselves to becoming
champions. I am thankful that Boise State gave us
the platform to do our work.”
– Chris Owens
Assistant Coach (1995 – 2016)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE
ASSISTANT COACH
KIRK WHITE
“I went to Boise State to wrestle in
college. I had no Division 1 wrestling
program in Washington where I was
raised. My goal was to build the program
into a championship caliber team. For 20
years I put everything I had into Boise
State Wrestling, as a wrestler, alumni,
fan, and coach. It was important to me
to build the program so local kids had an
option to stay home and wrestle in a
high quality atmosphere. I didn’t have
that option in Washington, so I wanted
Boise State HOF to make sure the Idaho high school
wrestlers would have that privilege.”
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
- Kirk White
Assistant Coach (2005 – 2015)
OTHER ASSISTANT COACHES THROUGH THE YEARS: Scott Barrett (Alumni),
Jerry Elliott (Alumni), Dave Chandler (Alumni), Brad Penrith, Greg Randall, Mike Davies,
Glenn Amador (Alumni), Levi Jones (Alumni), Rusty Cook (Alumni), Andrew
Hochstrasser (Alumni), Ben Cherrington (Alumni), Tommy Owen (Alumni), Tim
Mathews (Alumni), Steve Needs (Alumni), Dave Burnett, Jeff Howell, David “Doc”
Bennett (National HOF), and Riley Orozco (This list is not all inclusive).
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE SPORTS HALL-OF-FAME
CHARLES BURTON - NCAA All-American/2x Pan Am Medalist/Olympian (Photo: Idaho Press)
BOISE STATE WRESTLING INDUCTEES
Ben Cherrington, 2002 – ’06 (Class of 2020)
Kirk White, 1997 – ’01 (Class of 2007)
Charles Burton, 1991 – ’96 (Class of 2001)
Stan Armstrong, 1983 – ’86 (Class of 1992)
Scott Barrett, 1979 – ’82 (Class of 1989)
Kevin Wood, 1979 – ’82 (Class of 1988)
Randy Watson, 1974 – 77 (Class of 1987)
Mike Young, Coach 1972 – ’02 (Class of 1987)
David Chandler, 1971 – ’75 (Class of 1985)
Bud Johnson, 1961 – ’63 (Class of 1983) BILL PEDERSON
(Class of ‘83)
Bill Pederson, 1961 – ’63 (Class of 1983)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021ALL CENTURY WRESTLING ROSTER BY USA WRESTLING
Boise State’s Kirk White and Ben Cherrington (Bottom row)
125 – Anthony Robles, Arizona State (2008-2011) 165 – Markus Mollica, Arizona State (1993-1996)
125 – Zeke Jones, Arizona State (1987-1990) 165 – Steve Blackford, Arizona State (1997-2001)
125 – John Miller, Oregon (1967-1970) 165 – Kirk White, Boise State (1997-2001)
125 – Tanner Gardner, Stanford (2005-2008) 174 – Dan St. John, Arizona State (1986-1990)
133 – Shawn Charles, Arizona State (1990-1993) 174 – Ray Miller, Arizona State (1990-1993)
133 – Babak Mohammadi, Oregon State (1991-1995) 184 – Les Gutches, Oregon State (1993-1996)
141 – Robin Reed, Oregon State (1923-1924) 184 – Shane Webster, Oregon (2001-2006)
141 – Derek Moore, UC-Davis (2002-2007) 197 – Greg Strobel, Oregon State (1971-1974)
141 – Roger Weigel, Oregon State (1969-1971) 197 – Howard Harris, Oregon State (1977-1980)
149 – Eric Larkin, Arizona State (1999-2003) 197 – Mike Davies, Arizona State (1984-1988)
149 – Larry Owings, Washington (1970-1972) 285 – Stephen Neal, CSU Bakersfield (1996-1999)
149 – Dan Hicks, Oregon State (1976-1979) 285 – Jess Lewis, Oregon State (1968-1970)
157 – Matt Gentry, Stanford (2002-2005) 285 – Larry Bielenberg, Oregon State (1974-1977)
157 – Ben Cherrington, Boise State (2002-2006) 285 – Fred Bohna, UCLA (1976-1979)
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021A Review of Boise State’s Strong History
ED TERRY – ICAC Conference Champion/JUCO All-American (finalist), 1968 (Photo: The Mane Attraction)
1 United States Olympian
2 ICAC Team Titles – 5 Top 2 finishes – 10 Individual ICAC Championships
30 Div. 1 All-American Honors – 2 Individual NCAA National Champions
2 Individual Junior College National Champions – 4 Junior College All-Americans
46 Individual Pac 10/12 Championships – 6 Pac 10 Team Titles – 13 Top 2 finishes
10 Big Sky Conference Team Titles – 15 Top 2 finishes – 65 Individual Big Sky Conf. titles
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE WRESTLING
Photo: Tony Rotundo, WAW
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE WRESTLING
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: The Mane Attraction
Boise St. Wrestling Mat maids 1976 (L to R): Nancy Allen, Bernice Gonzales, Susan Robinson,
Connie Heitter, Tonya Lindsey, Nancy Lohmann, Jean Davis, Sharyl Butikefer, and Chris
Heckendorn.
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021BOISE STATE WRESTLING
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
Coach Ray Lewis
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021NEVER FORGET!
BOISE STATE 2009 – ’10
Photo: Boise St. Athletics
Andrew Hochstrasser, Nate Lee, Adam Hall, and Kirk Smith.
Material and photos used for this project were obtained from the Boise State Athletic archives, Boise State wrestling programs, Idaho
Statesman, and the Mane Attraction Newsletter (Boise State Sports). In addition, several photos used are from world level
photographers John Sachs (Tech-Fall.com) and Tony Rotundo (Wrestlers Are Warriors).
Edition 1.3 The Idaho Elite Report (TIER 1) September 2021You can also read
