by
Rich Herman - Clarion University | Apr 01, 2011
Legendary Clarion NCAA Div. I wrestling coach Robert G. “Bob” Bubb, who coached the Golden Eagles from 1967-92, and has continued to be involved with wrestling nationally since his retirement, was honored with a video tribute and an award at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Nationals, prior to the Championship Finals on Saturday, March 19 at the Wells Fargo Center.
NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer and Clarion’s Bob Bubb
(Philadelphia, Pa.): Legendary Clarion NCAA Div. I wrestling coach Robert G. “Bob” Bubb, who coached the Golden Eagles from 1967-92, and has continued to be involved with wrestling nationally since his retirement, was honored with a video tribute and an award at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Nationals, prior to the Championship Finals on Saturday, March 19 at the Wells Fargo Center.
The tribute to Bubb at nationals was planned by the NCAA, but kept quiet until the evening of March 19th. A three-page feature in the NCAA Wrestling Championship program also congratulated Bubb on his career.
Bubb was honored for his years of service to the sport of wrestling as an athlete, coach, and administrator. Along with his 26-years coaching at Clarion, Bubb was the Secretary Rules Editor of all NCAA collegiate wrestling from 1989-2011. He is stepping down from those duties this Summer. Bubb was also Executive Director of the NWCA from 1995-99 and Chair of the NCAA Wrestling Committee from 1987-89.
“I’m really humbled by all of this,” said Bubb. “I have a passion for the sport of wrestling and for what it stands for as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. None of this would have been possible without the support of my wife Marsha and my daughters (Jill and Susan), who have embraced my passion for the sport.”
“And I certainly need to thank all of my former wrestlers, coaches, administrators and pin club at Clarion for all they have done for me throughout my career.”
NCAA Div. I Wrestling has quite a ceremony prior to starting the championship finals. A Parade of All-Americans features a march of the top 8 placewinners in each weight class taking their place on the championship mat, which is set on an elevated stage in the center of the arena.
With everyone in place, and nearly 18,000 fans in their seats, Bubb was introduced to the crowd to come to center mat to be honored for his contributions to wrestling. Bob’s wife Marsha and daughter Susan were also present and brought to center mat.
A two-minute and twenty second video tribute, put together by the Clarion Sports Information Office and the NCAA was then played on the huge scoreboard for the crowd. Along with many photos of Bubb, the video featured congratulations from Iowa’s legendary coach Dan Gable, NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer and former Clarion A.D. and coach Frank Lignelli.
At the conclusion of the video Moyer and NCAA Wrestling Chairman Derek van der Merwe presented Bubb with a plaque honoring him for his service. The crowd of nearly 18,000 gave Bubb a standing ovation. The scene was breathtaking.
From all of us here at Clarion – thank you coach Bubb for all you have done for Clarion University and the sport of wrestling over the years. Your dedication to excellence is unsurpassed. We’re so proud to say you are a “Golden Eagle.”
CLARION NOTES: Bubb coach 26 years (1967-92) and posted an amazing 322-121-4 dual record (72.5%)… Clarion was 17-0-1 in 1986 and finished the season ranked #3 in the nation as a dual meet team behind Iowa and Iowa State … Clarion was in the top 29 in team scoring at Div. I Nationals in 19 of his final 22 seasons. At nationals Clarion ended 4th in 1973, 6th in 1972 and in 1987 and 8th in 1992. Bubb coached 7 NCAA Div. I and 3 College Division National Champions, 27 Div.I All-Americans, 29 EWL Champs and 68 PSAC winners. Clarion also won 11 PSAC Team Titles under Bubb… Clarion exploded onto the national stage in 1972 with two national champions (Garry Barton and Wade Schalles). In 1973 Clarion became known as the “Little Giants of Wrestling” when the Golden Eagles won three more individual titles featuring Don Ron, Wade Schalles and Bill Simpson as national champions. In two years Clarion had 5 national champions, one-quarter of the champions crowned in those two seasons… In bubb’s final season, 1992, it seemed only fitting that Bubb was able to walk off the mat with Kurt Angle as a national champion in his final match… In 2005 Schalles and Angle were voted to the NCAA’s 75th Aniversary Team which recognized the top 15 wrestlers of all time… Bubb was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Clarion University Hall of Fame in 1998.
Click here for photos and videos