Bill Simpson

William "Elbows" Simpson, who excited Clarion's wrestling crowds from 1971-74 with his wrestling prowess, put together an outstanding grappling career with the Golden Eagles.

"Elbows" won four individual Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles from 1971-74, including two at 167 pounds (1971, 1974) and two at 177 pounds (1972-73). In 1973 he won two individual national championships, including a College Division title and a NCAA Division I championship at 167 pounds. In 1974 he earned All-America status with a fifth place finish at 167 pounds at the national tournament.

Simpson compiled a career record of 121-21-2, including his best record in 1973 of 39-2, as well as a 40-4-2 record as a senior in 1974. Simpson collected 61 career pins, including 29 his senior year. In one stretch he recorded 43 straight wins, and Simpson's fastest pin of any opponent came in 25 seconds in 1974.

Simpson helped Clarion to a combined dual meet record of 61-10 over his career. The Golden Eagles captured three PSAC team titles and their highest finishes at the NCAA Championships, including a fourth-place finish in 1973 and sixth-place in 1972.

The Bethesda, Maryland native and Maryland state wrestling champ out of Gaithersburg High School graduated from Clarion in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

All American Awards:

Season
1974
School
Clarion
Tournament
Division I
Weight
167
Place
5
Season
1973
School
Clarion
Tournament
Division I
Weight
167
Place
1
Season
1973
School
Clarion
Tournament
Division II
Weight
167
Place
1
Season
1972
School
Clarion
Tournament
Division II
Weight
167
Place
6

College Season Records:

Season
1974
School
Clarion
Class
Senior
Bouts
46
Wins
40
Losses
4
Ties
2
Falls
29
Win PCT.
86.96
Place
5th
Season
1973
School
Clarion
Class
Junior
Bouts
41
Wins
39
Losses
2
Ties
0
Falls
19
Win PCT.
95.12
Place
1st
Season
1971
School
Clarion
Class
Freshman
Bouts
0
Wins
0
Losses
0
Ties
0
Falls
0
Win PCT.
0
Place
DNP
Season
Career
Bouts
87
Wins
79
Losses
6
Ties
2
Falls
48
Win PCT.
90.8

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