Montclair State University Athletics

One of Montclair State’s original wrestlers and the person responsible for starting the wrestling program, Robert Mizerek set the standard for excellence with tremendous leadership abilities and athletic talent. When Mizerek entered Montclair in 1958, the school did not have a varsity wrestling team, so he organized a campaign that resulted in a petition being presented to the Athletic Director. His diligence paid off because in the spring of 1959, wrestling was approved as a club sport and started with 25-30 participants. The 1959-60 season was the first year for wrestling as a varsity sport. Leading the way was Mizerek, not only assisting in coach and recruiting, but also earning accolades as a wrestler. For each of his varsity seasons, he continued into post season play and was a Metropolitan Wrestling Champion in all three appearances. Named a captain the final two years, he showed his versatility but wrestling in an unprecedented six different weight classes – 130, 137, 147, 157, 167 and 177 lbs – where he never lost a match. His hard work and dedication was proven against in his senior year when he wrestled the entire season in a cast due to a broken hand.