Joseph Roman
Class of 1990
Tilden Tech
Joe began his wrestling career at Tilden Tech High School in Chicago, with Hall of famer Bob Hicks.
All of his high school wrestling was prior to the State series, which began in 1937. Joe in 1933 placed 2nd in the City and 2nd in Cook County; in 1934 he was City Champion and Cook County Champion; in 1935 he was city champion; Cook County Champion and Champion in the Central AAU. In 1936 he again was City Champion and Cook County Champion, also Central AAU Champion and 4th in the National AAU as a High School Senior. His High School record was 89-5-0.
Going on to Indiana University, Joe Won the Indiana and Kentucky AAU as
a Freshman – Freshmen could not compete in the NCAA. As a sophomore, Joe won the Mid-West Championship and placed 2nd in the Big 10. As a junior he Won the Mid-West Championship; placed 2nd in the Big 10 and Placed Second in the National Collegiate Tournament; as a senior he Won the Mid-West Tournament, Placed 2nd in the Big 10 and Placed 3rd in the NCAA. Qualified for the Olympic team, but had to cancel because of the War.
Post Service, saw Joe come back to Purdue and Capture the Big 10 Championship but was not allowed to go to the Nationals as he had used up his eligibility, this was in 1946, 6 years after his Senior year. He remained at Indiana University until 1951 serving as an Assistant when he went into private business. Always a supporter of Wrestling, particularly at Indiana University, he was often involved with various programs up until the time of his death.