 |
The first Division I All-American athlete at Old Dominion University, Wayne Bright became atwo-time All-American with a three-year varsity record of 65-11. He placed fourth in the NCAADivision I national championships in 1970 after wrestling his way to the NCAA Division IInational title at 142-pounds. The legendary Dan Gable of Iowa State University stopped Bright''sbid for a double crown in 1970. He earned fifth place in Division II ranks the year before.
"That match with Gable was a remarkable even, "Bright said. "We wrestled in a place in Iowawith seating for about 10,00 and there were about 14,000 fans there. Up by two points goinginto the third period, Bright tried for a roll that could have ended the match, but Gable blockedthe roll and pinned Bright.
Bright, whose season marks were 14-2, 26-5 and 25-4, became a college wrestler after starringin football and baseball for Deep Creek High School in nearby Chesapeake, Va.
Before he was through, Bright would become a two-time Virginia college and universitychampion, a five-time First Colonies champion, a two-time Monarch open champion, anda three-time Mason-Dixon Conference champion.
"Wayne was one of the hardest working wrestlers I have ever coached. "Said Old Dominionwrestling coach Pete Robinson. "He was very tough, very dedicated and very intelligent personwho knew what he should do and set out to do it."