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University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

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Hall of Fame

Louis Tomlinson

Louis Tomlinson

  • Induction
    2025
  • Sport(s)
    Wrestling
Louis Tomlinson (1911-1978) became Central's first national champion in any sport in 1935 when he captured the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) title at 145 pounds in leading the Bronchos to a runner-up finish.

Tomlinson was Central's leading point producer as a freshman and sophomore before putting together a sensational junior season in finishing as runner-up in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, falling only to two-time champion Wayne Martin of Oklahoma.

Tomlinson came back three weeks later to win the AAU crown, with that tournament then considered a tougher and more prestigious event than the NCAA Championships. He beat Martin 15-9 in the quarterfinals and earned the title with a wild 18-11 finals win over Oklahoma State's Doc Strong, who won the 1936 NCAA national title and completed in the Olympics that year.

Tomlinson was named Central's team captain for the 1935-36 season and competed all year before a controversial NCAA eligibility decision prevented him from wrestling in the national tournament.
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