RMAC Hall of Fame

1970 Nebraska-Omaha Wrestling Team

Head coach of the University of Nebraska-Omaha 1970 NAIA championship wrestling team was Dr. Don Benning.  UNO had two individual champions that year: Roy Washington (150-pound weight class, deceased) and Bernie Hospodka (190- pound weight class).  In the 170 pound weight division, Mel Washington notched a second place finish.  Landy Waller (134-pound weight class) and Gary Kipfmiller (heavyweight, deceased) finished third in their weight class, respectively.   Other members of the championship team who did not place were Dennis Cozad, Rich Emsick, Paul Martinez, Jordan Smith, and Bruce Strauss.  Lou Rotella and Tony Martinez held the roles as reserve wrestlers.  Assisting head coach Don Benning was Curlee Alexander and Mel Melcher.  Wayne Wagner was the athletic trainer for the championship team and Carl Vittitoe was the equipment manager.