Clarion Athletics

Craig Turnbull, an All-American and PSAC champion wrestler from 1971-74 and who wrestled at 118 and 126 pounds, was a key contributor for Clarion wrestling during a time looked upon as the most successful years of NCAA Division I wrestling. Turnbull put together an impressive career record of 82-19-2 (20 pins) under legendary coach Bob Bubb. His senior year (1974), at 126-pounds, he won the PSAC individual title (4-0), went on to win the East Regional title (4-0) and advanced to the NCAA Championships at Iowa State where he was 1-1. He finished the year with a 32-5 overall record and a 17-2 dual meet mark, helping Clarion to a 24-2 dual meet record, the PSAC title and an 11^th place finish at the NCAA D-I nationals as a team captain. In 1973 Turnbull also had a strong season placing second at PSAC's and earning NCAA College Division All-America honors with a 6^th place showing at 118 pounds. In 1973 Clarion was 15-1, won the PSAC title and placed 4^th at the NCAA D-I Nationals. Turnbull put together a remarkable career dual meet record of 43-6-2, while the Golden Eagles posted a dual meet record of 61-10, won three PSAC titles (1972-74) and placed 4^th (1973) and 6^th(1972) at the NCAA D-I Nationals. A 1970 graduate of Iroquois High School in Erie, Pa., Craig had a brief coaching stint at Erie Strong Vincent, before becoming the assistant coach at West Virginia under former Golden Eagle Fred Liechti from 1976-78. In 1979 Turnbull became WVU's head coach at led the Mountaineers for 36 seasons (1979-2014). A 4-time EWL Coach of the Year, he coached 5 NCAA Champions, 26 All-Americans, 42 EWL Champs and 160 NCAA Qualifiers. Craig and wife Sue reside in Morgantown, West Virginia and have a daughter Carrie and a son Kyle.