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Show WRESTLING Rough breaks greatest obstacles Front, L. to R.: Gene Kawa, Paul Sheridan, Balvino Irizarry, Sam Arishita, Jeff Winderlin, Rob Schissler, Scott Tennis, Ed Johnson, Kert Bellock, Danny Rodriguez, Rich Ferrone, Bob Kawa (Asst. Coach), Back, L. to R.: Bruce Carnes, Chuck Fowler, Don Reed, Glen Hampton, Charles Shepherd, Jeff Jackson, Utah's wrestling team entered the 1969-70 season with the previous year's Western Athletic Conference title in its pocket and an excellent chance of successfuly defending it. But hopes went out the locker room window with the injury of three key performers-126 pound Balvino Irizarry, 177 pound Glen Hampton and heavyweight Kurt Bellock. The Utes started the season off strong with runaway victories in their first three meets. Then in tournament action, Utah placed third in the eight-team Colorado State Invitational and won the Utah State Invitational. The Redskins returned to dual competition by outclassing Brigham Young, 25-11. The win was the Utes' first over the Cougars in eight dual meets. 126 Joe Davis, James Routi, Mark Lavato, Biaine Overson, Doug Mangrum, Frank Izcobazzi, Robbie Richards, Greg Dalley, Glen Kawa, Mike Ptaschinski, Ron Turpin, Frank Powell (Asst. Coach), Marv Hess (Head Coach). Utah lost Irizarry (rib injury) and Hampton (broken hand) in the Arizona State Tournament, although the team was able to rout both Arizona schools. Bellock also broke a hand in a later dual meet. With the team depleted, Utah lost the WAC title back to the team it had taken it from-BYU. But it was still a fine year for Coach Marv Hess' team. The Utes rolled to a 15-4 season mark and sent five individuals to the NCAA meet. Charles Shepherd, at 158 pounds, and 27-2-1 on the year, placed fifth in the tournament, the highest a Redskin has finished since 1960. Other standouts for the Utes were Sam Arishita, who lost only one of 29 matches, Jeff Winderlin, 21-8, Paul Sheridan, 19-8, and Glen Kawa. |