South Dakota State University Athletics
Rick Jensen - Hall of Fame
11/13/2007 1:00:00 AM | General
Graduated: 1979
Inducted: November 2, 2008
Jackrabbit wrestling standout Rick Jensen became the 49th member of the Jackrabbit Sports Hall of Fame with his induction on Nov. 2, 2008.
Competing from 1975-79, Jensen ended his career as the winningest wrestler in Jackrabbit history with a 128-24 record, and his win total still ranks third.
Jensen also was the first SDSU wrestler to win 40 matches in a season, compiling a 40-7 record during the 1975-76 season en route to winning the NCAA Division II national title at 126 pounds. He added a 39-6 record during the 1976-77 season.
Jensen again earned All-America honors in 1977 and 1979 with runner-up finishes at 134 and 142 pounds, respectively. He also had the opportunity to wrestle at the Division I National Championships in 1976, 1977 and 1979.
In addition, Jensen was the first SDSU wrestler to win four North Central Conference titles, opening his collegiate career by winning the 126-pound title in 1975.
A 1979 graduate of SDSU with a degree in physical education, Jensen was serving as a teacher and assistant wrestling coach in the Rapid City school district at the time of his induction.
