Black and white photo of an unidentified University of Oregon wrestler in the control position of the referee's, or starting position, against an opponent from either Washington or Washington State.
The 1959 Wrestling Court was created as a promotional stunt by then OSC Wrestling coach Dale Thomas. The court members posed for a series of publicity photographs taken by Hise Studio in Corvallis. Some of the photos, such as this one, were picked up by national news organizations including the Associated Press. Another of the photographs appeared in Life magazine.
John Witte was Oregon State's first All-American wrestler, finishing second in the heavyweight division at the 1952 NCAA Championships as a freshman. He also played football, garnering All-American honors twice, and led the Beavers to the 1957 Rose Bowl game.
