A Legacy in the Making: The Significance of the Hawkeye Wrestling Team Uniforms
By: Evan Copeland
Hamilton Hawkeyes Wrestling Team Photo (1970)
Since 1970, our wrestling team uniforms have changed, as well as the program’s growth and success. Each uniform has marked an important chapter in the Hawkeyes’ history, from simple black singlets and white shorts to the black and gold singlets of the conference championship seasons. Over the years, these uniforms have shown the team’s hard work, dedication, and achievements.
1970- The Beginning
The program’s first wrestling season saw the team with a simple but classic look- a black singlet paired with white shorts. The team posted a 4-9 record, but this uniform reflected the start of what would be history.
1975- White for the Elite
Most wrestlers wore black singlets with white shorts, but standout wrestlers like Lee Vanden Beldt, Scott Schuck, and Cody Guidry wore all-white uniforms. This helped highlight the standout athletes and introduced the idea of using different colored uniforms to recognize the top performers in the program.
1980- A Bold Look
Gregg Stoel, the son of Coach Bob Stoel, became the team’s first state champion. The team went 11-3 overall, with a 4-2 conference record and five state qualifiers. The uniforms changed to a white singlet paired with black pants. State-qualifying wrestlers were given a new singlet with a larger and whiter “H” to show their elite status.
Hamilton Wrestling Team Photo (1980)
1990- A Modern Look
In the early 1990s, the team switched to an all-black singlet, creating a strong and intimidating look, despite their record. The team posted a 1-4 OK Blue conference record and a 6-11 overall record, with standout performances from Ryan Eding and Keith Cougar. However, Ryan Eding was selected MVP with a 26-16-2 individual record, and Keith Cougar was elected most improved with a 24-20 record.
1995- The Rise of the Black and H Logo
By 1995, the team embraced a new and sleeker all-black singlet design featuring an “H” logo in gold, clearly showing the school’s colors. The team went 19-8 and 3-2 in the OK Blue conference that season. With four wrestlers reaching state competition.
2000- Sticking to Tradition
The team kept their all-black uniforms, showing their strength and school pride. They finished the season with a 20-11 overall record and a 3-3 OK Blue conference record. These uniforms became a symbol of their consistency and skill.
2005- A Touch of Gold
In 2005, a small but important change was made: a gold patch was added near the hip of the uniform. This update helped refresh the team’s look. That year, the team ended the season ranked eighth in the state, proving the program was growing stronger.
2010- Champions in Black and Gold
One of the biggest changes happened during the 2010 season when the team switched to black and gold singlets, creating a bold new look. This change brought success as the team won the OK Green conference, and they won their tenth straight district title under Coach Stoel.
“Overall, it was a very successful season,” said Coach Brian Morrison.
Over the years, the team’s uniforms have changed to show both tradition and progress. Starting with simple black singlets in 1970 and eventually switching to black and gold in 2010. These changes helped highlight the team’s growth. Even during tough seasons, the team stayed strong and kept improving, and the uniforms became more than just a uniform. They became a symbol of hard work, success, and the team’s history.
Hamilton Hawkeyes Wrestling Team, 2015
Hamilton Hawkeyes Wrestling Team, 2020
