DICK DiBATISTA, Pennsylvania ‘43 is considered the greatest wrestler in Quaker history.  He was a two-time NCAA champion denied an additional shot by World War II whose high, college and freestyle record was an unblemished 137-0. He earned one high school and one National Prep title, along with three in the EIWA from 1941-43. As senior, he earned the league’s Outstanding Wrestler Award. “DiBi” was also a two-way starter on Penn’s football teams which went 18-5-2 for three years, playing pulling guard and nose guard.

      After graduation, Dick served in the Marines. After military service, he played one season of pro football while earning a master’s and teaching certificate. He then taught Phys Ed at his alma mater, Lower Marion High School while coaching and officiating for many years, including Easterns and Nationals. DiBatista has been inducted into the halls of fame of Pennsylvania, District One (PA), National Wrestling Officials, EIWA Officials and National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2005, Lower Merion named its wrestling room after him.