2019 LEGACY TEAM:
1967-68 WRESTLING MATCH RECORD: 12-0-1 TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS:
WINDSOR SUS LEAGUE - SECTION IV

When the idea of the Legacy Award began in 2007, a lot of lively discussion ensued over best teams of all time in all sports. When the first wrestling team (1964-65) was honored there were many from tonight's squad in attendance, a few as part of that team but others were quick to stand up for 1967-68's greatness. So now, it is indeed your night!

It's tough to honor the team as a team because of the nature of the sport. Speaking of tough, this could be considered the toughest Warrior bunch of them all. In compiling a 12-0-1 record in all matches, Sidney's AVERAGE team scores were 34.5 - 9.9! They held their opponents to three victories (out of 12 or 13 matches per dual) or less at least six times.

In the mid 1960s, there were very few tournaments as there today. Sidney's only foray was the state's oldest and still most prestigious - the Windsor Christmas tournament.

With 18 teams throughout the state competing, Sidney's 73 team points bested runner-up Ithaca by 23. Seven grapplers made the semis, five the finals. Randy Payne & Rick Cole were champions.

Rick Cole, defending NYS champ, lost the rest of his eligibility shortly after 1968 began.

In his place went Doug Williams. By the Susquenango League meet, he was one of seven title winners, with four others placing second. It was unprecedented! 11 Sidney uniforms in 12 finals matches! The Section IV event was also a runaway, the Warriors crowning three champions (Randy Payne, Colin Kelly, Marvin George) and two runners-up (Dave Barnhart and Fred Shaw). In all lower weight classes at the state meet, Sidney had a first (Payne), second (Kelly) and third (George). The trio helped Section IV place 2nd overall as a team.

All this and not one mention of the man whose coaching, mentoring and discipline made it all possible....until now. Hall of Fame coach Tom Robertson by this time had developed the winning formula which demanded more and got more out of each and every wrestler. Remember, wrestlers had fewer matches and tournaments, which meant more practices! Four of his wrestlers - Payne, Kelly, Shaw and Dane Woytek - all surpassed the 20-victory mark when 25 matches was usually the max. From top to bottom, an incredible team!