Past Pitt head wrestling coach Dave Johnson has passed away
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by Julie Jurich, University of Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH – Former University of Pittsburgh wrestler and head coach Dave Johnson passed away this week.
Johnson was a three-year letterwinner for the Panthers’ wrestling team from 1956-58 and competed in the NCAA Championships in each of his three seasons. He also won Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) titles all three seasons, including the 157-pound championships in 1956 and 1958, and the 167-pound title in 1957. Johnson had a 27-3 career dual meet record and was a perfect 13-0 in EIWA Championships bouts.
A native of Lock Haven, Pa., Johnson went on to coach the Panthers for two seasons (1965-67) and graduated from the University’s Dental School with a D.D.S. All three of Johnson’s sons–Doug, Mike and Marc—were wrestling lettermen at Pitt and earned degrees from the Dental School.
The Panthers, now a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), wrestled as a member of the EIWA from 1954-75 and won four team championships, including a 1956 title when Johnson was a sophomore.
Johnson received induction into the EIWA Hall of Fame in 2005.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association. (act.alz.org)
Johnson was a three-year letterwinner for the Panthers’ wrestling team from 1956-58 and competed in the NCAA Championships in each of his three seasons. He also won Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) titles all three seasons, including the 157-pound championships in 1956 and 1958, and the 167-pound title in 1957. Johnson had a 27-3 career dual meet record and was a perfect 13-0 in EIWA Championships bouts.
A native of Lock Haven, Pa., Johnson went on to coach the Panthers for two seasons (1965-67) and graduated from the University’s Dental School with a D.D.S. All three of Johnson’s sons–Doug, Mike and Marc—were wrestling lettermen at Pitt and earned degrees from the Dental School.
The Panthers, now a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), wrestled as a member of the EIWA from 1954-75 and won four team championships, including a 1956 title when Johnson was a sophomore.
Johnson received induction into the EIWA Hall of Fame in 2005.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association. (act.alz.org)
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