Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
By all accounts, Matt Randolph's personality was larger than life – fitting for a two-time All-American heavyweight wrestler.
Randolph, who was known on campus by his nickname "Frosty," grappled his way to a career record of 67-24. At the time of his graduation, he stood in the top 10 on Heidelberg's career wins list, despite the fact that he only competed in three seasons. Today he remains in the top 40 overall and sixth among student-athletes in the heavyweight/285 weight class. Over the course of his career, the native of Wadsworth, Ohio, pinned his opponent 25 times.
Under the tutelage of head coach Larry Shank, Randolph was one of three Heidelberg wrestlers to qualify for the 1991 NCAA Division III National Tournament, joining his brother, Bart Randolph ('91), and teammate Tom Wynn ('91). After falling 1-0 in his opening match, Matt picked up a pair of wins – a fall in 5:23 and a 2-1 decision. Despite dropping his final two matches of the season, Randolph earned an eighth-place finish. In doing so, he became Heidelberg wrestling's second All-American, joining John Verdes ('88, HOF '14) who accomplished the feat in 1987.
After sitting out the 1991-92 season because of knee surgery, Randolph returned to action in 1992. He went 20-2 in the regular season, which included a 13-match winning streak. He extended that streak through the OAC tournament, winning both of his matches to claim his first OAC title. At the 1993 NCAA Division III National Tournament, Randolph won his opening round match – extending his streak to 16. Following a loss, he rebounded to pick up his 24th win of the season, which assured him of All-American status. He dropped his next two bouts 2-0 and 2-1 for an eighth-place finish.
Randolph was the first Heidelberg wrestler to earn All-American status twice, and remains just one of four to do so in the 50-year history of the program.
Matt Randolph passed away in early 2013, three days prior to his 42nd birthday. At the time of his passing, he was employed by the Medina County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his daughters Makayla, Kendall and Karsyn.
(This profile appeared in the 2015 Hall of Fame program.)
