Waynesburg University Athletics

Western Pennsylvania is a hotbed for the sport of wrestling. Waynesburg has lived up to the distinct billing, as its wrestling squad is one of the most successful teams in the region.

Waynesburg went 30 consecutive years with a winning record between the 1940s and 1970s, as the Yellow Jackets compiled a 312-111-12 all-time school record by the 1974-75 season.

The program began in 1928 under head coach J.M. Miller, who coached the squad until 1942. After a three-year hiatus during Word War II, the Yellow Jackets reached national prominence under legendary coach Raymond "Buck" Murdock, who guided Waynesburg from 1947-1963.

Murdock compiled a 122-21-2 record as the Jacket mentor with an 84.4 winning percentage. Waynesburg was unbeaten under Murdock from 1949-1952, winning 34 consecutive dual matches. Overall, Murdock coached six undefeated teams.

By the late-1960s, Waynesburg was fixture in the NAIA Tournament in Omaha, Neb., finishing in the NAIA Top 10 four consecutive years under coach Clayton P. Ketterling.

During this era, two Waynesburg wrestlers went undefeated for their college careers in dual matches, including Ralph Schneider (26-0-0; 1951-57) and Tony Gizoni (28-0-0; 1948-52). Gizoni captured first place at the NCAAs in 1951 at 123-pounds, and was named "Outstanding Wrestlers" by Helms Foundation Amateur Hall of Fame.

Also capturing NCAA gold was George Lewis in 1948, at 125.5 pounds, while Tony Gusic (137) and Mike Zrimm (167) took first place at the NAIAs in 1965.

Dan Barnickel holds the best career dual-meet record during this era. He recorded a 56-6-4 mark from 1970-74, while compiling an overall record of 74-12-4.

Sam Church took over the Jacket program as coach in 1980, leading the Jackets to 11 Top 25 finishes in the NAIA, while producing 22 All-Americans until 1993.

In the late 1980s, Barnickel's school record for 74 wins was surpassed by the Jenkins brothers. Jim Jenkins finished his career with a record of 76-27-2, while brother Mark became the first Waynesburg College wrestler to break the 100-win mark. Mark Jenkins earned All-American status four consecutive years until he graduated in 1990. Overall, Mark Jenkins posted a 108-19-2 record, including three fifth place finishes and one sixth. Mark wrestled at 142 pounds his first two seasons, before a junior and senior year at 134.

Shawn Whyte fell one win shy of becoming Waynesburg's all-time win leader when he completed his career in 2001 with a record of 107-19. Five years later, Ken Laird broke the school record for career wins with 109. Laird finished his career with two individual conference titles at 149 pounds while on the mat for the Yellow Jackets.