John Babcock '62 Inducted into Clarkson Hall of Fame
John Babcock was a standout wrestler for the Golden Knights in the early 1960s and was a dominant force on the mat during Clarkson’s 1962 undefeated season.
The Norfolk, NY native, who served as team captain, led the Golden Knight grapplers to a perfect 10-0 record during the 1961-62 season while wrestling in the 157-pound class. Considered by many to be among the most outstanding wrestlers in the East, Babcock compiled a 9-1 record in his senior campaign, including six pins.
The Tech matmen dominated their opponents that winter, establishing Clarkson as the top wrestling squad among small colleges in New York State. The Knights opened the season with the two impressive victories. Clarkson posted a stunning 21-9 win over highly-regarded Colgate University at Alumni Memorial Gymnasium with Babcock pinning his opponent at 2:59 of the second period. Before the largest crowd ever to watch a wrestling match at Clarkson, the Green and Gold grapplers edged one of the toughest teams in the state, Ithaca College 16-14.
The Knights continued to overwhelm their opponents throughout the season with triumphs over hartwick, University of Rochester, Hobart, MIT, Union, RPI, RIT and Alfred. In his final match at Alumni Gymnasium, Babcock pinned his RPI opponent at 1:58 of the second period.
During his three-year career wrestling in the light middle-weights for head coach Jack Hantz’s squads, Babcock set a then school record, amassing 24 wins and recording numerous pin falls in a dual-meet competition. In his first year of competition, he was a 147-pound sensation, posting an 8-1 record with seven pins in 1960. As a junior, he compiled a 7-1-1 mark at 157 pounds.
Babcock also competed in two (1960, 1962) Interstate Intercollegiate Individual Invitational Wrestling Tournaments. He placed fourth in the country in the 1962 4-1, winning four of his six bouts in the tournament.
The 1958 Massena High School graduate also played lacrosse in his final year at Clarkson. A midfielder, he recorded two goals and one assist.
Babcock was named Clarkson’s Senior Athlete of the Year in 1962.