Edward J. Carlin
Wrestling, 1959
1991 Letterwinner of Distinction
1991 Letterwinner of Distinction
Ed Carlin was a four year wrestling letter winner and was voted captain in 1958. He was the Davidson co-winner as Outstanding Wrestler for 1958 and 1959.
After teaching three years in public education, Ed became the SU freshman wrestling coach in 1959-60. His team was undefeated and won the freshman Eastern championship in 1960.
Ed was promoted to head wrestling coach in 1963 and taught physical education from 1963 to 1975. Since wrestling scholarships were reestablished in 1974, his record has been 207 wins, 85 losses and four ties. In 1988, Ed joined an elite group of SU coaches with his 200th career win. His teams have finished in the top 20 at the NCAA Championships 14 times. Ed coached teams to Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships in 1965, 1981, 1989 and 1991. His teams have finished second five times and third five times at the EIWAs. Since 1974, the SU wrestling program has had only one losing season.
Ed has coached 37 EIWA champions, 22 All-Americans and three wrestlers to five NCAA titles-Jim Nance, Tom Schlendorf and Gene Mills. SU’s first four-time All-American, Mills won the Outstanding world champion, was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team and was designated Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Chris Catalfo, a two-time All-American, was a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team.
In 1983, Ed was inducted into the New York State Coaches Hall of Fame and in 1989, he was voted Coach of the Year by the EIWA. Prior to the formation of the Orange Pack, Ed established the Matmen’s Club which has raised thousands of dollars for the wrestling program. He organized the first SU summer wrestling camp and a similar program for elementary school children.
Ed was instrumental in the formation of the Empire State games and served as District 3 wrestling open chairman for two years. He was co-organizer of the wrestling division for the Junior Olympic Games in 1987.
In 1989, Ed was honored by the YMCA for promoting fitness in the community. He served as ward chairman for the Democratic Party in the Town of Camillus and as a member of officer for the Solvay Geddes Lions Club. Ed is currently vice president of Phi Epsilon Kappa of Central New York.
