In 1981 Don and Dr. Sherley Gordon, Highline President can be credited for restoring the wrestling program that had been dropped in 1979. Dr. Gordon told Don she missed not having a wrestling team and requested he get the ball rolling to get it done. The big issue was funding. Don contacted me indicating the college had only 50% needed. I contacted John Clemens, former wrestler and contributor. We contacted 2 other former wrestlers who had the resources and raised the funds to start the program. Along the way others have stepped in with generous donations.
In 1966 Dr. Gordon was Dean of Students and one of her responsibilities was over looking the athletic program. She did attend some of the matches and also noticed that the wrestling team consistently had the highest grade average of all the sports. She brought this to my attention and asked if I knew "WHY". My only explanation was I had a high school wrestling coach who saw more in me than I saw in myself and insisted I needed to get my act together. I took him seriously got my grades up high enough to get accepted into the U of W. ended with a masters degree in Education and started teaching and coaching at Highline College. With respect to my high school coach I needed to give my own wrestlers the same encouragement. We set up a study hall 3 or 4 days a week and monitored their progress by contacting their instructors.
Highline has had some very good coaches since 1982 and all have bought into the "Student/Athlete" concept. Scott Norton who retired last year stands out. On several occasions Highline teams have placed 1st in nation academically. I think all of our coaches would give up some of the classroom success for a national team wrestling championship. I am not sure our administration would make the trade.
Highline wrestling is facing some serious challenges. To name a few. Wrestling is on hold. The previous coach has returned. to Iowa. It will be a challenge to find a replacement who can measure up to our previous coaches. It is unlikely John Dunn will lower his standards just to have a coach in the room. It is unknown if previous donators will continue to donate.
John Dunn, athletic director, has his supporters and detractors. I have known John for over 40 years and have our differences but I due respect him. I have been married to the same women for 58 years and on many occasions have our differences but I love her. Regardless of what many believe John does like having a wrestling team and the allegiance goes clear back to Don McConnaughey and Dr. Gordon. I will hold him to his word that Highline will have wrestling until he retires.
I do realize that much I have written is of little interest to many on this site. I just needed to pay my respect to my good friend Don McConnaughey for keeping Highline Wrestling alive.
I thank every one who likes and supports wrestling
Dick Wooding
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