SUNY Brockport Athletics

The 1980 Brockport wrestling team ended the year with a dual match record of 12-1 (only loss to Temple Univ.).
 
The 1980 title for the Golden Eagles was its second in four years (the first came in 1977), and marked the first time a Division III Wrestling school had won two national championships. 
 
Kevin Richard’s victory at 126 lbs. clinched the championship.  Brockport finished well ahead of Trenton State with a score of (111 ¼) to (88 ¼ points). 
 
Not to be forgotten with the national acclaim, is Brockport’s dominance over what was considered the toughest Division III wrestling conference in the nation (SUNYAC).  The Golden Eagles had captured the conference crown in seven of the previous nine season, and in 1980 they won eight of the ten weight classes.  Head Coach Don Murray’s matmen also won their second New York state title since 1973, and in November of 1979, won the prestigious RIT Invitational for the first time. 
 
Brockport finished the NCAA Championship with seven (7) All-Americans and John Parisella, Tony Smith, Joe Giani, Prince Green and Woody Vandenburg became two-time All-Americans.  Coach Murray was recognized by his peers at the national championship and selected Division III coach-of-the-year.