Kansas Wrestling Forums General Discussion High School Greatest Kansas Wrestler

Who do u believe was or is the greates wrestler from Kansas

Melvin Douglas, Eric Akin, and Zach Roberson are my picks....

Can't pick just one...

I have to agree. If you are judging based on proven elite success that is a good list.

Myron Roderick

Wrestler/Coach 1953-69 In three years as a wrestler at Oklahoma A&M, won 42-of-44 matches and three NCAA titles, one at 137 pounds and two more at 130. Placed fourth in the 1956 Olympic Games at Melbourne, losing a split decision to the eventual champion. Returned from the Olympics to find he had been named head wrestling coach at Oklahoma A&M, just one season after winning his last NCAA Championship. In 1958, led the Oklahoma State Cowboys to the NCAA team title and was the youngest coach ever to guide a national championship team in any sport. In 13 years of coaching, produced seven NCAA championships and a dual record of 140-10-7. Put together one streak of 84 consecutive duals without a loss. Guided wrestlers to 20 individual NCAA titles and four gold medals as the U.S. coach in the 1963 World Games and was assistant in the 1964 Olympics.

... and was or maybe still is, the head muchacho at the Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stilwater, Ok. Another very worthy nominee.

Ever try to take him down at one of his wrestling camps? ...... he'd always ask us when we stepped out on the mat if it was "for love or money" .........

Two extra names for consideration!

Joe Seay from Wellington!

Peter Mehringer from Kinsley!

Mr. Roderick retired from the National Hall of Fame last year!

If you look at success at the highest level, Mehringer must be #1 with his Olympic gold medal. This is almost a no brainer as is my #2 Roderick for the reasons listed by Pennywise#2. Douglas is the clear #3 with a world title to his credit. World team member Akin is #4. Seay comes in somewhere around here as a senior level national champion. Seay also is the only coach to win college national titles at two different levels for Cal. St. Bakersfield and O. State, as well as being an Olympic team coach making him much more decorated as a coach than a wrestler. Roberson is a stud no doubt but has yet to prove himself at the before mentioned level although I am sure he will in the future as he appears to be pretty serious about this wrestling thing. Am
I forgetting anyone?

What constitutes being from Kansas? If looking at who wrestled here there could be all kinds of wrestlers who wrestled in college, or others that have moved to other states. Also I am assuming you mean wrestler because Iba was still "from" Kansas and had a tremendous input on wrestling. As to those from Kansas, I think that would include Myron Roderick and Peter Mehringer. Don't take this wrong, but the "best" may not have arrived yet. Zach Roberson for example is a phenom and I don't think we have seen the best from him yet.

Check out this thread on Mehringer and comments on others in the past posted by Mr. Sayler at: http://www.usawks.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=003614#000000

Also check out this great story on Mehringer: http://www.kuhistory.com/proto/story.asp?id=28

It is hard to compare new school and old school, but after reading Pete’s story it is a great story that would someday make a great movie.

WSEWC - I was editing my post as you posted yours. Wow nice to know that some folks think alike in a lot of ways. I would agree completely with your post.

Furches, I respect the heck out of you and to hear that from you makes me feel pretty dang good.

Check this out Petes great great grandson I believe ended up playing basketball for Kinsley High School. I can not for the life of me remember his name.....but I believe I tought him in 7th and 8th grade. Wierd.

a bunch of my bros used to work under akin at east kansas

Thomas Carmona from Maize!

Another thing that you would need to figure in is the TREMENDOUS amount of NCAA champions that Roderick produced, and the coaching legacy that they represent. NO other Ks. wrestler living or dead has such a record. also consider that USA wrestling was spun off of the old AAU control of the olympics largely due to mr. Roderick's efforts. If you compare anyone except possibly mehringer's record to Roderick, you would have to consider that the vehicle that helped them to greatness, the USA wrestling system of freestyle and greco, would not have been in existence as a development tool were it not for the efforts and early administration skills of Mr. Roderick. As for the Olympic gold medal, It is quite a feat, but there are no NCAA titles, or coaching accomplishments, or lifetime contributions to the sport such as those made by Mr. Roderick. In short, it is my opinion that part of what makes a great wrestler is the dedication that they have to the sport. Mr. Roderick was not only the most accomplished wrestler in Ks. wrestling history, he literally dedicated his lifes efforts to the sport and making the paths to greatness for those who came after a lot easier. Myron Roderick.

I like the top 5 listed earlier.

Roderick
Mehringer
Douglas
Akin
Seay

Maybe the order could be argued but a good list. Now lets finish the top 10.

6.Roberson-See above and moving up.

Other potential candidates.


Bobby Lashley- 3 NAIA National Championships.
Chis Bolin- 3rd in NCAAs with some National experience
Shawn Bunch- If not their yet, he will be.
Spalding- from Emporia, did well at Nebraska.
Maynes-

I know some other really good guys out their.

It's obviously Mr. Seth Farley

Prant Garker

Career varsity record: 32-29
4 year letter winner (in music)
State Champion (in a US history test)
Superior Rating, viola solo, state festival
23-0 Record, City League Basketball
0 Cavities
Intramural Basketball "B" Division Player of the Week
Theodore Roosevelt Elementary Spelling Bee runner-up

Obviously there's no comparison.

I'm afraid that runner-up from good old Theo Roos is going to come back to haunt you!

Here is one for you, only wrestled one year, and in that year won a state championship?