Clarion Athletics

Frank Grundler, a PSAC wrestling champion and an outstanding defensive lineman in football, was an outstanding two-sport athlete at Clarion University from 1962-66. A four-year wrestling lettermen (1962, 64-66), Grundler helped Clarion wrestling coach Frank Lignelli put together an amazing team. The Golden Eagles, who had only re-started wrestling in the 1960 season, were 11-0 in 1964, 10-0 in 1965 and 13-2 in 1966. Clarion won its first PSAC Championship in 1965. Grundler, who won the individual PSAC crown at 191-pounds in 1965, a big part of that title. Grundler was also the WPSCAC champion at 191-pounds in 1963 and 64, and a tournament finalist in 1965 and 66. He qualified for the NAIA Nationals in 1965 and 66, and undefeated in dual meet action for 2 ½ years between 1964-66. As a football player under coach Al Jacks, hewas a starting defensive end and recorded 51 solo tackles in 1965. He was named to the NAIA D-18 team. A native of Pittsburgh and a 1961 graduate of Shaler High School, he was the head wrestling coach at Ridgway in 1968, then at Santa Ana Valley in California from 1969-71. From 1973-2000 he taught and coached at Paradise Valley Unified School District in Phoenix, Arizona. As head coach his teams had 246 wins, 16 Arizona state Champs and much more. He and his wife Adele (Desmone ‘65), have three sons including Bill, Jim and Matt.