BILL OBERLY, Penn State ‘56 was a senior captain who competed for renowned coach Charlie Spiedel at both 191 and heavyweight during the EIWA’s greatest era. Oberly was placed EIWA third twice and won a heavyweight title, while placing 3^rd nationally at 191 then first and third at heavyweight. He was an NCAA champion in 1955 for his runner-up Nittany Lions and was their second-ever three-time All-American. Among 48 career bouts were 10 vs. NCAA finalists.

      During his three seasons at Easterns, five conference wrestlers reached the national finals at unlimited or 191. Facing frequent national rivals, Oberly’s remarkable career mark was 22-4. Two of the losses came against NCAA champions and the other two were to a finalist.

      In 1955, Bill Oberly appeared on the popular CBS Omnibus show to demonstrate the difference between amateur and pro wrestling. On the show, he wrestled an exhibition against Navy rival Pete Blair, a two-time NCAA Champion who defeated Oberly at the 1954 NCAAs. Oberle’s brother Johnston was a two-time EIWA champion in 1960-61 and placed 3rd and 4th nationally.