Tony Barbaro
Official ⋅ Class of 1979
Tilden Tech
Tony began his wrestling career at Tilden Tech High School, where he wrestled for Hall of Famer Bob Hicks. He wrestled in a time before the State Series began. Tony enrolled at Wisconsin University, where he played Football and Wrestled. He placed second in the Big 10 Championships. Upon completion of his undergraduate work, he entered Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s degree.
His coaching career began back at Tilden Tech where he began as an assistant Football Coach and Assistant Wrestling Coach. He later became the Head Football Coach, continuing as the assistant wrestling coach. When the Illinois Institute of Technology wanted to start a wrestling program, Tony did just that, doubling between High School and College. At the time of his untimely death, he was still involved in coaching.
His career in officiating spanned some 25 years, during which time, he worked high school dual meets, college dual meets, the City of Chicago Championship Series, many suburban conference meets; District, Sectional and some 10 State Championship Finals. He worked a number of Big 10 Championships and various other meets of prestige.
For his many achievements, Tilden Tech High School inducted him into their Hall of Fame.