Pitt 1954 NCAA Champion Joe Solomon Passes
8/7/2017 2:12:00 PM | Wrestling
Joe Solomon was a Two-Time All-American Wrestler at Pitt
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PITTSBURGH – University of Pittsburgh 1954 NCAA Champion and two-time All-American Joe Solomon passed away due to Alzheimer's complications Saturday, August 5. He was 84.
A native of Canonsburg, Pa., Solomon was a 1955 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and is among the best to pass through the program. Solomon became the second NCAA wrestling champion at Pitt behind Hugh Peery, who claimed titles in 1952, 1953 and 1954. The 1954 season saw the Panthers post their highest finish at the tournament, placing second.
Solomon garnered All-America status in 1954 and 1955, while also capturing an EIWA title in 1955 at 167 pounds.
Prior to his time at Pitt, Solomon was a standout wrestler for Canonsburg High School. He was a three-time WPIAL champion and was the 154-pound Pennsylvania state champion in 1950.
Solomon served in the U.S. Navy upon graduating from Pitt and later spent over 30 years at Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania (Highmark) as senior vice president of sales. Although his time as a wrestler was over, Solomon stayed extremely active in the wrestling community, as he became a well-recognized official. Solomon officiated at all levels including 15 PIAA championships, 10 PSAC and EIWA championships and five NCAA championships.
Solomon is a member of numerous hall of fames including: Washington-Greene Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame; Southwestern Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame; Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame; Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Hall of Fame; Pitt Golden Panthers Hall of Fame; National Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame; Canonsburg High School Hall of Honor; Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame; WPIAL Hall of Fame; and National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday in William Slater II Funeral Services, 412-563-2800, 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Township. Mass will be held at noon Tuesday, August 8, in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon, with burial to follow at 2 p.m. in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. Condolences may be left at www.slaterfuneral.com.
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PITTSBURGH – University of Pittsburgh 1954 NCAA Champion and two-time All-American Joe Solomon passed away due to Alzheimer's complications Saturday, August 5. He was 84.
A native of Canonsburg, Pa., Solomon was a 1955 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and is among the best to pass through the program. Solomon became the second NCAA wrestling champion at Pitt behind Hugh Peery, who claimed titles in 1952, 1953 and 1954. The 1954 season saw the Panthers post their highest finish at the tournament, placing second.
Solomon garnered All-America status in 1954 and 1955, while also capturing an EIWA title in 1955 at 167 pounds.
Prior to his time at Pitt, Solomon was a standout wrestler for Canonsburg High School. He was a three-time WPIAL champion and was the 154-pound Pennsylvania state champion in 1950.
Solomon served in the U.S. Navy upon graduating from Pitt and later spent over 30 years at Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania (Highmark) as senior vice president of sales. Although his time as a wrestler was over, Solomon stayed extremely active in the wrestling community, as he became a well-recognized official. Solomon officiated at all levels including 15 PIAA championships, 10 PSAC and EIWA championships and five NCAA championships.
Solomon is a member of numerous hall of fames including: Washington-Greene Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame; Southwestern Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame; Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame; Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Hall of Fame; Pitt Golden Panthers Hall of Fame; National Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame; Canonsburg High School Hall of Honor; Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame; WPIAL Hall of Fame; and National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday in William Slater II Funeral Services, 412-563-2800, 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Township. Mass will be held at noon Tuesday, August 8, in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon, with burial to follow at 2 p.m. in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. Condolences may be left at www.slaterfuneral.com.
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