| Wayne Bright |
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The first Division I All-American athlete at Old Dominion University, Wayne Bright became a
two-time All-American with a three-year varsity record of 65-11. He placed fourth in the NCAA
Division I national championships in 1970 after wrestling his way to the NCAA Division II
national title at 142-pounds. The legendary Dan Gable of Iowa State University stopped Bright's
bid for a double crown in 1970. He earned fifth place in Division II ranks the year before.
"That match with Gable was a remarkable even, "Bright said. "We wrestled in a place in Iowa
with seating for about 10,00 and there were about 14,000 fans there. Up by two points going
into the third period, Bright tried for a roll that could have ended the match, but Gable blocked
the roll and pinned Bright.
Bright, whose season marks were 14-2, 26-5 and 25-4, became a college wrestler after starring
in football and baseball for Deep Creek High School in nearby Chesapeake, Va.
Before he was through, Bright would become a two-time Virginia college and university
champion, a five-time First Colonies champion, a two-time Monarch open champion, and
a three-time Mason-Dixon Conference champion.
"Wayne was one of the hardest working wrestlers I have ever coached. "Said Old Dominion
wrestling coach Pete Robinson. "He was very tough, very dedicated and very intelligent person
who knew what he should do and set out to do it."
