Brockport Hall of Fame
The 1983 Brockport wrestling team pulled off a major upset as they outscored Division I Army 117 to 110.5 to win the NY State Intercollegiate Wrestling Championship. In winning the team title, the Golden Eagles topped a 17 school field which included three (3) Division I schools. Brockport became the first team to have all 10 of its members earn All-New York State honors.
The Golden Eagles were led by All-Americans Frank Famiano and Anthony Conetta, who successfully defended their state titles.
Brockport went on to win its 4th straight SUNYAC team title, but more importantly sent eight (8) wrestlers to the NCAA Division III National Championship.
According to Head Coach Don Murray, at least six of the competing eight wrestlers would have to earn All-American status in order for Brockport to capture their fourth NCAA title.
The stage was set for one of the most exciting finishes in the NCAA tournaments 10-year history. Brockport, St. Lawrence, and Augsburg each had three wrestlers in the finals, while point leader Trenton had two. The championship team would have to win at least two of the 10 weight-classes to take the 1983 NCAA title.
Three-time All-American and defending champion Frank Famiano began the tournament as the overwhelming favorite to take the 126 lb. title. Famiano proved the predictions right as he secured an easy 16-3 win in the Finals. Famiano was awarded his second consecutive “outstanding wrestling” of the tournament award.
The fate of two teams would be decided in a match between Brockport’s Ron Winnie and Augsburg for the 150 lb. title. Winnie, built up a 9-2 winning margin and clinched the 1983 title. Winnie also became one of the only two wrestlers (along with Famiano) to successfully defend their 1982 titles.
Anthony Conetta who finished in second the year prior, capped off the event winning the 177 lb. title 11-5 and Brockport successfully defended its NCAA team championship at Wheaton College. Brockport finished five points ahead of second place finisher Trenton State securing the programs 4th NCAA title since 1977 and becoming the first school to win back-to-back National titles.
