Takedown Report

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Vaughan Hitchcock, who coached the Cal Poly wrestling program to eight NCAA Division II national championships in the late 1960s and early 1970s during a 23-year coaching career with the Mustangs, died Sunday in San Luis Obispo, Calif.  Hitchcock was 84.  Hitchcock compiled a 355-112-4 record from 1962 through 1985 at Cal Poly, including a streak of over 150 consecutive victories against California opponents.   “Hitch was obviously an outstanding coach and was like a father to most of us during our wrestling days,” said Lennis Cowell, who succeeded Hitchcock as head coach at Cal Poly.  “He definitely had a tremendous influence on our lives. He will long be remembered.”

“Great memories with Coach and Cal Poly,” added Larry Morgan, an NCAA Division II national champion in 1973 and three-time Division I qualifier, finishing fifth in 1972 for All-American honors. “He was a very positive influence on many young athletes.”  “I am sad, he was a giant of a man,” said Ken Bos, who placed first and third in the NCAA Division II National Championships and was a two-time Division I qualifier, placing fourth in 1969. “He represented California and West Coast wrestling at a time when we were emerging as a national power.  Rest of the story at https://www.gopoly.com/sports/wrest/2018-19/releases/20181001lo40t6?mc_cid=8497fc2bb4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b