March 4, 1989
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio— The Ithaca wrestling team used a balanced attack, including five all- Americans, to win the program’s first national championship.
John Murray was selected by the National Wrestling Coaches Association as NCAA Division III coach of the year following the tournament.
Three wrestlers finished second for Ithaca. At 142 pounds, Ron Gross pinned his first two opponents and won superior decisions in the quarterfinals and semifinals. He lost in the championship match to three-time national champion Shaun Smith of Delaware Valley. Dan Bieller lost a one-point decision in the 177-pound final, as did Mike Fusilli at 190 pounds. Fusilli had a difficult run, including two overtime decisions, before settling for second.
Joel Lamson claimed a 1-0 overtime decision in the consolation to earn fifth place. Marty Nichols rounded out the all-Americans, placing fifth. After being eliminated in the semifinals by three-time national champion Karl Monaco of Montclair State, Nichols won by fall.
Ithaca’s other qualifiers were Tim Cotter and Randy Cotton, at 134 pounds and heavyweight, respectively.
The Bombers’ previous top finish was third at the 1988 championship.
1989 Team Standings
| Place |
School |
Points |
| 1. |
Ithaca |
72.5 |
| 2. |
Delaware Valley |
64.5 |
| 3. |
Augsburg |
61.5 |
| 4. |
John Carroll |
59.0 |
| 5. |
Central |
56.0 |
| 6. |
Montclair State |
51.5 |
| T 7. |
Cortland |
42.5 |
|
Wartburg |
42.5 |
| 9. |
Buena Vista |
33.0 |
| 10. |
Kean |
29.0 |
