Hall of Fame
Joe Krufka became FDU-Madison's first and only wrestling coach in 1964. He coached FDU's wrestlers for 20 years. Despite difficulty recruiting wrestlers for a first-year program, Krufka led FDU to a 4-2 record in 1964. After a successful high school wrestling career in Plymouth, PA, Krufka enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he spent four years. He won several military tournaments and earned the chance to try out for the Olympic team. Selected as an alternate, Krufka traveled with the team to Helsinki in 1952. After completing his tour of duty, he enrolled at Penn State University where he wrestled for the varsity team for three years, serving as captain his senior year. He won his weight division in the Wilkes Tournament four times, placed second in the Eastern conference Championships, and finished second in the 177 pound class at the NCAA Championships. Krufka became a teacher and, before coming to FDU, coached on the high school level, building several successful teams and producing a number of collegiate wrestlers. After leaving FDU in 1983, Krufka continued to teach at Whippany Park High School. He retired in 1993 and lives in Randolph. As a hobby and part time job he runs a silk screen business, producing T-shirts and sweatshirts.
