I cannot believe that PSU has had wrestling going on 100 years. I am very proud and happy that I was some part of that history. I was on the squad from 1953 to 1957. My finest memory was of Charlie “Doc” Speidel. I still miss him. What saddens me most was that I didn’t really appreciate Charlie when I was there. I respected and admired him, but didn’t fully appreciate what he accomplished. When he passed away, I realized that I hadn’t tapped into a great source of information. Charlie was one heckuva wrestler. I remember, at the age of 65, Charlie would work out with me; I couldn’t accomplish a move against him. He was very agile and was a very pleasant, caring, and patient person. Today, 50 years after my graduation, I still call people “Doc” when I do not know them well. I do not know how PSU wrestling has survived without Charlie because there will never be another Doc Speidel. I remember when I was boxing in intramurals and did not think to ask his permission to do so. He raised holy hell with the manager which, of course, got back to me as it was supposed to. I still miss him. Everyone he addressed was “Doc.”
Additionally, I was very proud of the varsity team members. They were a good group of people, real gentlemen, but hell on wheels on the mat. I have good memories and was very proud of each of them. They always had time to work out with me and show me different moves. My memories of PSU, wrestling, and PSU teams are still very strong. Many people who are not Penn Staters cannot understand our pride and dedication. No one can understand it unless they experienced it, both the ups and the downs.
I send my best regards for a great 100th.
