While he was a two-year letter-winner in football and track and field as a javelin thrower and pole vaulter, Vohden’s most accomplished sport was wrestling. He reached the semifinals at 167 pounds in the NCAA wrestling championships in 1951, then placed fourth at 177 pounds in the national tournament a year later.
Dick Voliva, the legendary Rutgers wrestling coach, told local reporters Vohden would’ve competed for the U.S. in the 1952 Olympics if it wasn’t for an injury during the trials. His exploits on the mat were recognized in 2009, when he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s New Jersey chapter.
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Dick Voliva, the legendary Rutgers wrestling coach, told local reporters Vohden would’ve competed for the U.S. in the 1952 Olympics if it wasn’t for an injury during the trials. His exploits on the mat were recognized in 2009, when he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s New Jersey chapter.
The incredible saga of a 3-sport Rutgers hero who spent 8 years as a POW (and his TD pass that shocked college football)
Raymond Vohden was an American war hero, one of the longest-held POW captives in the Vietnam War. He also was a Rutgers standout in football, wrestling and track.
