Only once, in a span of more than 30 years, did the NCAA team title escape from the states of Oklahoma and Iowa. And it took a native Oklahoman, Grady Peninger, to carry the trophy off to Michigan State. His 1967 Spartans, featuring individual champs Dale Anderson and George Radman, provided just one of the highlights of his 40-year career.

He reached national prominence while still in high school in Tulsa, winning the state championship and the first of two National AAU crowns during his senior year of 1945. After a two-year hitch in the Navy, he enrolled at Oklahoma State, and was an NCAA finalist in '49.

He entered high school coaching at Ponca City, Oklahoma, and in eight years guided three state champion teams. His stars included Shelby Wilson and Doug Blubaugh, who went on to earn Olympic gold medals and win their way into the Hall of Fame.

In 1960, he was called by Michigan State to assist, soon to succeed, Fendley Collins at the helm. Peninger's teams dominated the Big Ten Conference, winning seven consecutive titles starting in 1966. He was voted national coach of the year after the '67 triumph. He was the first Big Ten coach to develop a three-time NCAA champion, Greg Johnson, and a four-time NCAA finalist, Pat Milkovich. Don Behm was an Olympic silver medalist, and Tom Milkovich, won four conference titles.

In all, he produced 43 conference and 11 national champions, 90 Big Ten medalists and 46 All-Americans. His Spartans won 213 of 330 dual meets and enjoyed 23 consecutive winning seasons.

Peninger was president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. While serving on the NCAA rules committee, he pushed through an expanded consolation bracket in 1986, and the double elimination format in 1995, each creating more opportunity for the wrestlers.

His goal always has been to provide greater opportunity for wrestlers to succeed. In recognition of such leadership, Grady Peninger is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.