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SJSU Wrestling Archives The Spartan Daily 3-13-73 |
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NCAA's Tough Test |
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by Paul Stewart |
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| By finishing fifth in the NCAA finals, Dan Kida, 118-pound grappler for SJSU, became the first All-American wrestler
in Spartan history. Kida, along with three other Spartan wrestlers, Oscar Trevino (126), Tim Kerr (158), and Donnell Jackson (hwt), represented the PCAA in the NCAA finals last week at the University of Washington. "We had our best showing ever," said SJSU mentor Terry Kerr, "and we accomplished our season goals." The sandy-haired coach was referring to the Spartans' pre-season aspiration of winning the PCAA (which they did by beating Fresno State University), and gaining All-American honors (which Kida did). Kida faced Steve Hart of Oregon in the first round of the single elimination tourney, and defeated him T.J. in overtime. He was then downed 4-0 by Dan Sherman of Iowa, and moved on to the consolation bracket. Kida then defeated Everett Gomez of Oklahoma State 5-4, Stan Opp of South Dakota 11-3, and Jack Spates of Slippery Rock 11-4. The Spartan matman was then defeated by Jim Brown of Michigan 4-2 in the semi-finals of the consolation round. Kida finished fifth by default of his opponent in the final match. According to NCAA rules, the first six finishers in a weight division are accorded All-American honors. Oscar Trevino face Ron Glass of Iowa State in his initial round and was pinned. He lost to Dave Wendall if Virginia 10-4 in his second match, as Glass went on to win the 126-pound crown. Tim Kerr, who has battled a viral infection all season, was withdrawn by coach Kerr during his first match,when his lungs filled with fluid. It was a disappointing culmination for Kerr's wrestling career at SJSU. However, he will return to past as an assistant wrestling coach for the Spartans next year. Heavyweight Donnell Jackson faced Joel Kislin of Hofstra in his first match and was defeated 6-0. Jackson then faced Jeff Class of Nebraska in the consolation bracket and blanked him 7-0. Kislin is currently ranked sixth in the nation by the NCAA. Jackson then moved on to meet Dave Simonson of Minnesota and tied him 2-2 at the end of regulation time. The grapplers remained deadlocked 0-0 at the end of the overtime period and Simonson received the victory on a judge's decision. "I was very proud of all our guys," commented coach Kerr, "especially of the fact that none of them quit out there." Kerr lauded all his grapplers for their effort and dedication this past season citing Dean Prescott as a potential star in the 158-pound bracket for the Spartans. The second-year coach also pointed out that Kida and Jackson are both juniors and should have repeat performances in the NCAAs, along with a larger contingent from SJSU. Iowa State won the meet with a score of 85 points, followed by Oregon State 72.5, and Michigan with 59.5. |
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