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SJSU Wrestling Archives The Spartan Daily 2-4-36 |
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Grattan, Wrestling Coach, Debunks Pros |
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by Frank Brayton |
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| "Professional wrestling is bunk," were the exact words of Eugene B. Grattan, San Jose State wrestling
coach and prominent attorney in a recent interview. "No other amateur sport suffers as much as wrestling in
comparison with the professional aspect of the same name." Grattan is a firm believer in the simon-purser, as can be comprehended from the above statement, and the fact that he still retains his amateur standing after more than 15 years of participation in the grappling business. While attending Iowa University, Grattan achieved national fame by annexing the intercollegiate title in the 155 pound class, and in 1924 he was chosen as a member of the US Olympic team, but owing to a shortage in the Olympic budget, wrestling was dropped from the schedule. As a result, he did not see Paris. According to Grattan, wrestling is the oldest known sport, alleged to have started about 5000 B.C. New holds have been invented since that time, but a careful analysis shows that they all revert to some ancient basic type. "Amateur wrestling is not spectacular to the fan because it is so deadly in earnest,' commented the lawyer-wrestler. He went on the explain that new rules are attempting to put a premium on aggressiveness and wrestling skill in an effort to prevent stalling. Grattan began his coaching activities at SJS last spring, and he points out with pride that the wrestling team now has probably the best schedule on the campus from an intercollegiate standpoint, meeting such schools as UCLA, Santa Clara, Olympic Club, University of Utah, and the University of California. After a decade of competition in which he has engaged between 75 and 100 matches, Grattan has never had his shoulders pinned to the mat and has lost only one decision. At present, in the capacity of wrestling coach, he spends three to five hours a week instructing hopeful Spartans. His only regret that his profession will not allow him more time to devote to his hobby. On Saturday afternoons Grattan throws his knowledge open to the public when he gives instruction in the local gym to anyone who is interested in wrestling. He even suggested to your scribe that he don a pair of trunks and join the ranks some afternoon (which invitation was tactfully declined, we hope). Grattan is intensely interested in boys, and thinks that wrestling develops their character, both physically and morally, teaching them fair play and good sportsmanship. "You've got to shoot square on the mat and in life too, or the decision will go against you," he continued. When asked how he happened to become interested in wrestling, Grattan answered, "I was born on a farm, a 36,000 acre farm in Colorado, and all farm boys like to wrestle." Besides cavorting on the canvas, he has an impressive record as a track man, having competed in the Drake Relays twice while in high school in the mile and low hurdles. At Iowa University he was a member of the varsity cross-country team. He received his degree in law from the last mentioned school, and was admitted to the bar in Iowa in 1927, coming to San Jose to practice in 1931. At this point the telephone rang and your reporter picked up his hat reluctantly as a secretary announced a client. "You might mention a couple of San Jose boys who have a good chance in the Olympic tryouts," finished the barrister. "Arthur Philpott and Jack Fiebig are both fine wrestlers." The client went in and i went out, bringing to a close an interview with a person whose modesty is unbelievable, whose work and play is marked with a true sincerity, a person who gives his time to San Jose State with a thought of financial renumeration. |
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