(Atlantic) The Atlantic wrestling program will induct the 1974–1975 wrestling team into its Hall of Fame on November 21. This banquet marks the first time an entire team has been honored in this manner.
“This group laid the foundation for what Atlantic Trojan wrestling has become,” said Head Wrestling Coach Tim Duff. “The 1974-1975 team set the bar high, and they are what every team is compared to moving forward. The foundation they established is outstanding.”
Coaches Lynn Barnes and Coach Joel Simms led a talented roster of 40 wrestlers during the 1974–1975 season. The team posted an impressive 7-3-1 dual record in the regular season and made history as the first Atlantic squad to win the Corning Tournament—now known as the John J. Harris Tournament.
Their success continued through the postseason, as they captured the sectional title and advanced 10 wrestlers to the district level. Those athletes included Greg Weppler, Kirk Nelson, Lonn Schlueter, Dave Hansen, Graig Nichols, Mike Woolsey, Dave Harris, Greg Both, Mike Westering, and Kipp Harris.
The Trojans went on to win the district tournament, qualifying six athletes for the State Wrestling Tournament, where three earned state medals. Advancing to the state were Greg Weppler, Dave Harris, Lonn Schlueter, Kipp Harris, Mike Westering, and Craig Both.
“We only had two qualifiers to the state tournament before this,” stated Duff. “The late Al Wernimont and Bill Hoffman were the only two others to qualify for medals. These six guys, who qualified for the state tournament in 1975, set the bar high and turned the corner for the program. We are looking forward to hearing the Hall of Famers’ stories and seeing Coach Barnes and Coach Simms.”
Mike Westering, at 185, finished fourth, Dave Harris, 126, and Kipp Harris, 155, both finished in 6th place.
The team followed a successful state football season that finished as a state runner-up.
The Atlantic High Wrestling Banquet is open to the public, and all members of the 1974-1975 team are invited to attend. The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. with dinner, followed by induction ceremony at The Venue, located at 307 Walnut Street in Atlantic.
