Throughout the season, IUHOOSIERS.com will take wrestling fans back in time into the rich past of IU Wrestling. Since the beginning of the program in 1909, the Hoosiers have produced one National Championship (1931), 10 NCAA Champions (Last: Joe Dubuque, 125 lb., 2005), 66 All-Americans (Last: Joe Dubuque (125 lb.), Brandon Becker (157 lb.), Pat DeGain (HWT)) and 52 Big Ten Champions (Last: Roger Chandler, ’97, 142 lb.). Throughout the season, a different year will be highlighted showcasing the season’s All-Americans. This week, IUHOOSIERS.com looks back at 1940.
Indiana Wrestling’s 1940 All-Americans
Joe Roman (1938-40,45)
After he finished second in the Big Ten Tournament, Joe Roman won the NCAA Championship in 1939 to earn his first All-America nod. Roman helped IU win the Big Ten title and earn a berth in the 1939 NCAA Championship. In 1940, he tallied his second All-America honor, helped the Hoosiers to a Big Ten Championship and second at NCAAs. Roman completed his career by winning the 1945 Big Ten Championship (155).
Bob Antonacci (1939-41)
Bob Antonacci joined Joe Roman in earning All-America honors in 1940. Antonacci helped lead the Hoosiers to a Big Ten title and a second-place finish at NCAAs that year. In addition to winning the NCAA Championship at 121 pounds, Antonacci earned three letters as a Hoosier.
Garnet Inman (1938,40)
Garnet Inman earned All-America honors in 1940. He placed second (175) in the NCAA meet. Inman was a two-year letterwinner at IU. He helped the Hoosiers to a perfect 7-0 record in 1938. In 1938, the Hoosiers placed second at the Big Ten and third at NCAAs.
Chauncey McDaniel (1939-40)
Chauncey McDaniel was one of four Hoosiers to earn All-American honors in 1940. He placed third in the 165-pound weight class at the NCAA Championship. That same year, McDaniel won the Big Ten Championship at 165. He helped the Hoosiers win the Big Ten Championship as well as placed second at the NCAAs in 1940.
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