*ED PEERY, Pittsburgh ’57, matched brother Hugh with two state championships at Shaler HS in PA and his only loss in a 48-1 career was by referee’s decision. Ed then went 51-1 at Pitt, with the only loss 4-3 in the EIWA semis as a junior vs. Springfield’s Joe Alissi, up one weight at 130. But at NCAAs at 123 Peery surged late, as he did to win all three finals.  In 1955, he reversed and pinned with 0:30 seconds left. In ’56, he was taken down twice by Harmon Leslie (NCAA 2,2) but won, 7-5. In his final bout at home in Pittsburgh, Ed again trailed Harmon, 7-3 in the third. But an escape, takedown and riding time forced overtime where Ed earned a unanimous referees’ decision, 7-7,2-2.

      Peery excelled as Navy coach from 1961-1987, competing against his father in the EIWA through 1965.  His Midshipmen earned eight EIWA team championships, 48 individual titles, 28 All-American medals and his dual mark was 311-89-12. His top star was Lloyd Keaser (1970-72), a 1973 World Champion, 1976 Olympic silver medalist.  Peery was NWCA coach of the year in 1969 and a member of USA Wrestling's national teaching staff.

      After coaching, Ed was the Academy’s highest ranking civilian employee, handling all recreation. He retired in Annapolis to do volunteer work with wife, Gretchen, also a volunteer assistant coach with local youth. Upon his passing in 2010, he was honored with a massive service in the Naval Academy Chapel.