Simpson Trio – Don Rohn, Wade Schalles Bill Simpson – NCAA champs in 1973

 

William G. “Elbows” Simpson

 

            Former Clarion University wrestling great, William G. “Elbows” Simpson, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 in Clarksburg, Maryland. He was 62.

 

            Simpson, who wrestled at Clarion from 1971-74, had an outstanding wrestling career with a record of 121-21-2, 61 pins, won an NCAA Division I national championship and College Division national title in 1973 at 167-pounds, plus won 4 PSAC individual titles under legendary head coach Bob Bubb.

 

            “Bill was one of the foundation bocks that marks the tradition of Clarion Wrestling,” said coach Bubb who led the program from 1967-92. “He was one of our greats! Elbows was a tremendous wrestler with a great work ethic and a real pleasure to coach. I shall never forget that infectious smile and hearty laugh.”

 

            The Golden Eagles were led in that era by such names as Garry Barton, Don Rohn, Wade Schalles and Bill Simpson – National Champions all.

 

            “Bill Simpson was my best friend and I will miss him,” said a very somber teammate Wade Schalles, who attended the funeral on Feb. 24. “As I said my goodbyes tears streamed down my face, but I was not alone. It was a befitting send off for one of the gentlest men I have ever known. I hope to be with you again, someday my friend, in the comfort of God’s hand.”

            A 1990 Clarion Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Bill posted a 39-2 record in 1973 and a 40-4-2 mark in 1974. Simpson earned 2-time NCAA D-I status in 1974 when he placed 5^th at 167-pounds. He won 43 straight bouts in his career and his fastest fall came in 25 seconds.

 

            Simpson helped lead Clarion to a 4^th place team finish at D-I nationals in 1973, 6^th place in 1972 ands 11^th place in 1974, along with 3 PSAC team titles (1972-74).

 

            Bill is survived by his daughters Daphne R. Dixon and Melissa D. Simpson, along with three grandchildren. His wife Gloria preceded him in death. The entire Clarion Community sends condolences and prayers to the family.

 

            CLARION NOTES: Bill graduated from Clarion in 1974 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Ed… He was a 1970 grad of Gaithersburg High (Maryland) and a Maryland State Champ… Clarion burst onto the national scene in 1972 when Garry Barton and Wade Schalles won NCAA title… in 1973 the Eagles followed with titles from Rohn, Simpson and Barton – Accounting for ¼ of the NCAA titles won over that two-year period.