DeLiddo to retire

Dennis DeLiddo, who guided the Fresno State wrestling program for nearly a quarter of a century, has announced he will retire at the end of the2005 season. DeLiddo won more than 300 dual matches in his career and directed the Bulldogs to their greatest successes in the history of the program.

"Fresno State wrestling has been my whole life for a very long time," said DeLiddo. "I don't think I have the energy to continue to do what the program needs. I'm looking forward to sitting in the stands and 'watching' the Bulldogs. I will remain involved in wrestling at some level and do anything I can to help the Fresno State program. Wrestling has been a very large part of my life and you can't just give that up."

DeLiddo indicated he will continue to work with youth wrestling in the Valley.

In 24 seasons as the head coach, DeLiddo guided the Bulldogs to a Top 25 finish at the NCAA championship 11 times. He won nine conference team titles, was the runner-up for national coach of the year in 1993 and selected the WAC Coach of the Year four times. In 1993, he led the Bulldogs to an eighth-place finish at the NCAA championships, the highest finish in school history. Under his guidance, 27 Bulldogs earned All-America honors and he coached 55 individual conference champions.

"Words can't begin to express what Dennis has meant to Fresno State and the Bulldog wrestling program," said Athletics Director Scott Johnson. "He built a nationally-respected program and his work with the community was excellent. His work ethic and commitment to the program were unmatched. I'm sad to see him leave but excited for him as he enters a new chapter in his life."

A Fresno State graduate, DeLiddo began his collegiate coaching career in 1981 taking over for Dick Francis. After his first season, DeLiddo went on a run of 22 consecutive years of reaching the NCAA Championships. The Bulldogs' worst finish in that span was 47th place.  During one stretch, the Bulldogs placed in the Top 20 at the NCAA Championships in eight of 10 seasons. In 1992, the Bulldogs posted a 19-1 dual meet record. In 2004, the Bulldogs set a western collegiate attendance record with 9,750 fans at the Save Mart Center for a dual match vs. No. 2-ranked Iowa State.

Several individuals found great success under DeLiddo's guidance, including three-time NCAA champion Stephen Abas, who went on to win a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic games. DeLiddo mentored nine of the Top 10 Bulldogs on the school career victory list. DeLiddo's dual meet record is 308-170-4.

DeLiddo will be honored by the University at his final dual match Feb. 9 vs. Cal State Bakersfield. The Bulldogs host the NCAA Western Regional Championships March 5. DeLiddo will also be inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame May 14, 2005.

 See Fresno Bee story.