Ray Conrad
Contributor ⋅ Class of 1989
River Forest
Ray Conrad began his career in Wrestling at Schurz High School in Chicago. He wrestled on the Varsity for Four years, qualifying for the State 2 times.
His collegiate days were spent at Wright Junior College. During this time he won two AAU Championships. Shortly after leaving Wright, he entered the United States Army. During his Military Service he won the West Coast Military Championship. Marriage upon his return home stopped his college days and he entered into the private sector, however his love for the sport of wrestling did not diminish. As soon as he had the opportunity, along with his twin brother Roy started a Wrestling club in Chicago called the Fighting Frazers. Upon moving to River Forest and in particular when his oldest son was of the age to begin, Ray became active in the Raiders Wrestling Club. The Raiders was one of the best known Kids club in the Suburban area. They have had many All Staters, which would include 8 Champions. Ray has continued with this Club for the past 25 years, and was active until just recently when he underwent an operation for heart by-pass.
Many young men, not only wrestled for the kids programs, but went on to excel in various high schools in the area and many went on to excel in various Colleges and Universities. There are a number of High School Coaches in Illinois that had their beginnings in the Raiders.
Ray, along with his brother Roy, was honored by the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation as a Grand Marshall in 1984.