William G. Wilfong (1989) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

William G. Wilfong

Induction:
1989
Class:
1966

1962-65
Wrestler
‘66

The spirit of Hall of Fame coach Andy Maluke is beaming tonight—one of his “jaspers” is being honored. Bill Wilfong, who becomes only the fourth wrestler inducted into the UA Hall of Fame, labored on the mat for Coach Maluke from 1962 through 1965. A Barberton native, Wilfong made an immediate impression his freshman campaign—matching the team’s 7-2 record in dual matches in the 177-pound class. It was a sign of better things to come. In 1963 Wilfong compiled an 8-0-1 record and a team leading 32 points on his way to capturing the 177pound championships at both the Ohio Conference (OC) and the NCAA Mideast Regional Tournament. Wilfong was named Most Valuable Wrestler. He repeated the latter honor as a junior when he captured 10 of 11 matches and led the Zip grapplers with five pins and 44 points. It appeared that 1965 would be a banner year for the Wilfong. He finished the regular season with an unbeaten 9-0 mark. However, Wilfong lost the OC 177-pound championships, 3-2, in overtime, the Zips missed winning the OC Championships. Yet, when you consider Wilfong’s 34-3-1 dual meet record over four seasons and the championships he did win, there is little doubt of his Hall of Fame stature.