Wrestling legend Bruce Baumgartner retires from Edinboro
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and wrestling legend Bruce Baumgartner recently retired from his administration position at Edinboro.
He spent the past 36 years at the university, serving in various roles including head wrestling coach, athletic director and most recently, assistant vice president of university advancement.
— Edinboro Wrestling (@BoroWrestling1) May 9, 2020
He competed in four Olympic games, winning gold in 1984 and 1992, silver in 1988 and bronze in 1996.
He also was a three-time world champion, winning three silver medals and three bronze medals. He also won seven World Cups.
“He was larger than life,” Greensburg Salem wrestling coach Randy Parsley said. “He dominated for 16 years. For a big man, it was quite an amazing what he achieved.”
After 36 years of amazing service and dedication to Edinboro University and it’s Athletic Department. We want to wish Bruce a very happy retirement. #BoroBuilt pic.twitter.com/De7KUh7mWk
— Edinboro Wrestling (@BoroWrestling1) May 8, 2020
Baumgartner said he will concentrate on being the president of USA Wrestling.
He was an NCAA runner-up in 1980 and 1981 and NCAA champion in 1982. He finished with a 134-12 record with 73 pins.
Canon-McMillan athletic director Frank Vulcano Jr. said: “I just remember watching him dominate in the Olympics.”
As a coach, Baumgartner was 70-36, including a program-record 14-0 in 1996-97. Baumgartner was hired as an assistant in 1984 and was later named head coach in 1990.
Edinboro went from a Division II program that was 0-11 to one of the best programs in the country.
“I like its academic integrity,” Baumgartner told USA Wrestling. “I liked that it provided a good atmosphere for wrestlers to be successful. It also allowed me to be the head coach as I competed.”
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
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