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This year wrestling will take center stage when Hall of Fame inductees are honored during half time of the Newton High School football game tonight.
Half of the inductees have ties to Newton High School wrestling —including a state champion wrestler and a long-time coach. This year the class includes wrestler Herbert Tolbert, wrestling coach David Winter and supporters Jan and Phil Anderson.
Herbert Tolbert
The only athlete inducted into the hall of fame this year is Herbert, or Ted, Tolbert.
A wrestler who worked hard every day in practice, Tolbert was one of the most successful wrestlers to ever put on a singlet for Newton High School.
But he’s a man who downplays his own success.
“I did not do this by myself,” Tolbert said. “It takes someone in the wrestling room every day to bring out the best in you.”
Tolbert wrestled for the Railers from 1974 to 1977, compiling an overall record of 69-11-1. That stellar record included two undefeated seasons and a Grand State title — the only wrestler in the history of Newton High School to win a Grand State Championship.
David H. Winter
David H. Winter coached wrestling at Newton High School — rekindling a program in 1959 that had been eliminated 20 years earlier. His teams compiled a 28-21 record over his first five years as coach.
That run included three Arkansas Valley League titles and three top five state finishes with one state championship an in 1962.
“Coach Winter was an exceptional man,” said Bruce White, who wrestled for the Railers during the 1962-63 season. "He not only was the best wrestling coach in the state of Kansas, he was a great example for young men to follow.”
White remembers tough practices, filled with hard work.
“Coach Winter said ‘you will be the best conditioned team in Kansas,’” Winter said. “And we were. All of the hard work paid off in championships. ... Many young men that had the privilege of wrestling for coach Winter learned what hard work and preparation can do — it has had a great effect on my life.”
Winter built a winning tradition in very little time —taking a program from it’s beginnings and a single dual meet win in year one to a league and state contender in less than five years.
Jan and Phil Anderson
Jan and Phil Anderson never expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when they helped create, then sat on the board, of the hall.
But their names are added to the rolls as contributors to Newton High School Athletics.
“I’m really flattered the board would consider both of us,” Phil Anderson said. “Jan would be embarrassed, but probably proud. The Anderson family has always been supportive of Newton Schools.”
Phil didn’t know of the nomination until the board met to vote on this year’s class, a year after Jan passed away.
He refused to vote during the process, concerned about a conflict of interest.
Those who nominated the couple, however, have little concern about a perceived conflict.
“Phil has spent a lifetime being an incredible contributor to Newton High School athletics,” wrote football coach Brent Glann in support of Phil’s nomination. “I have no clippings, etcetera, because Phil does his work ‘behind the scenes.’ To me, Phil is the essence of the class, pride, effort and humility that defines being a Railroader.”
This year wrestling will take center stage when Hall of Fame inductees are honored during half time of the Newton High School football game tonight.
Half of the inductees have ties to Newton High School wrestling —including a state champion wrestler and a long-time coach. This year the class includes wrestler Herbert Tolbert, wrestling coach David Winter and supporters Jan and Phil Anderson.
Herbert Tolbert
The only athlete inducted into the hall of fame this year is Herbert, or Ted, Tolbert.
A wrestler who worked hard every day in practice, Tolbert was one of the most successful wrestlers to ever put on a singlet for Newton High School.
But he’s a man who downplays his own success.
“I did not do this by myself,” Tolbert said. “It takes someone in the wrestling room every day to bring out the best in you.”
Tolbert wrestled for the Railers from 1974 to 1977, compiling an overall record of 69-11-1. That stellar record included two undefeated seasons and a Grand State title — the only wrestler in the history of Newton High School to win a Grand State Championship.
David H. Winter
David H. Winter coached wrestling at Newton High School — rekindling a program in 1959 that had been eliminated 20 years earlier. His teams compiled a 28-21 record over his first five years as coach.
That run included three Arkansas Valley League titles and three top five state finishes with one state championship an in 1962.
“Coach Winter was an exceptional man,” said Bruce White, who wrestled for the Railers during the 1962-63 season. "He not only was the best wrestling coach in the state of Kansas, he was a great example for young men to follow.”
White remembers tough practices, filled with hard work.
“Coach Winter said ‘you will be the best conditioned team in Kansas,’” Winter said. “And we were. All of the hard work paid off in championships. ... Many young men that had the privilege of wrestling for coach Winter learned what hard work and preparation can do — it has had a great effect on my life.”
Winter built a winning tradition in very little time —taking a program from it’s beginnings and a single dual meet win in year one to a league and state contender in less than five years.
Jan and Phil Anderson
Jan and Phil Anderson never expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when they helped create, then sat on the board, of the hall.
But their names are added to the rolls as contributors to Newton High School Athletics.
“I’m really flattered the board would consider both of us,” Phil Anderson said. “Jan would be embarrassed, but probably proud. The Anderson family has always been supportive of Newton Schools.”
Phil didn’t know of the nomination until the board met to vote on this year’s class, a year after Jan passed away.
He refused to vote during the process, concerned about a conflict of interest.
Those who nominated the couple, however, have little concern about a perceived conflict.
“Phil has spent a lifetime being an incredible contributor to Newton High School athletics,” wrote football coach Brent Glann in support of Phil’s nomination. “I have no clippings, etcetera, because Phil does his work ‘behind the scenes.’ To me, Phil is the essence of the class, pride, effort and humility that defines being a Railroader.”
