Lansing Sun

Grady Peninger, a revered figure in the world of collegiate wrestling, passed away on October 31 at the age of 97. Known for his remarkable achievements as Michigan State's head wrestling coach, Peninger's legacy includes being the first Big Ten coach to secure seven consecutive conference titles from 1966 to 1972 and leading his team to a national championship in 1967.

"Grady Peninger is one of the all-time great coaches in our sport," stated Roger Chandler, Michigan State's current head wrestling coach. "The impact he had on Michigan State and Michigan State wrestling is second to none and he will forever be etched in our history books."

Under Peninger's leadership, Michigan State claimed the 1967 National Championship with a total of 74 points, surpassing runner-up Michigan by 11 points. His team's success was highlighted in an article published by Sports Illustrated on April 3, 1967. Reflecting on this achievement, Peninger told SI, "Before this year no team except one of the big three ever dreamed of winning the National Championship, but now it doesn't look as impossible as it used to."

During his tenure from 1963 to 1986, Peninger's teams consistently performed well nationally, placing in the top five at NCAA Championships six times. His wrestlers earned numerous accolades including ten NCAA titles and forty Big Ten titles. In recognition of his contributions to wrestling, Peninger was inducted into several halls of fame: U.S. Wrestling Hall of Fame (1987), State of Michigan Wrestling Hall of Fame (1991), and Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame (2007).

Peninger's coaching career began at Ponca City High School in Oklahoma before he moved to East Lansing as an assistant coach under Fendley Collins. He became head coach at Michigan State where he amassed a record of 213-113. Among his notable achievements was breaking Oklahoma State University's home win streak with a tie match in January 1967.

Reflecting on his career during his induction into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007, Peninger remarked: "You know, they say if you recruit enough good kids, it makes you a good coach, and I was lucky to have so many good young men wrestle at MSU."

Peninger's early life saw him achieve significant milestones as well; he was an Oklahoma High School State Champion and won two NAAU National Championships.

His contributions extended beyond coaching; he served as President of the National Wrestling Coaches Association and played a key role in expanding tournament formats while part of the NCAA rules committee.

Grady Peninger's influence on wrestling remains profound through both his direct coaching successes and broader contributions to the sport's development.