Jan. 22, 2003
STILLWATER, Okla. -
Former University of Missouri Tiger wrestler Ed Lampitt was announced as the recipient of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Medal of Courage today. A member of the University of Missouri Athletics Hall of Fame, Lampitt is the first Tiger wrestler to be enshrined in the Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Lampitt was born in St. Louis, Mo., before relocating to Pekin, Ill., where he spent most of his early childhood. he later moved to St. Charles, Mo., where he became an accomplished high school football player and wrestler. After high school he attended Missouri and wrestled under fellow Missouri Hall of Famer Hap Whitney. He wrestled for the Tigers from 1965-1968, lettering all four years.
While at Missouri he became the first Tiger ever to place at the Big Eight Conference Tournament in 1966. He repeated the feat two years later during the historical 1968 wrestling season. That season, Lampitt captained the only undefeated Missouri wrestling team, as the Tigers finished 18-0-1.
He graduated with honors in civil engineering and then began an initial three-year tour in the U.S. Navy. After his tour he enrolled in the University of Missouri Dental School. After obtaining his D.D.S. degree in 1977, he returned to the Navy to fulfill a four-year obligation.
While serving as a U.S. Naval dentist, Lampitt was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a brain tumor. After two 14-hour surgeries for removal of the brain tumor, Lampitt was left paralyzed and unable to speak at the age of 32. Refusing to accept his circumstances, Lampitt started the strenuous rehabilitation process toward a complete recovery. Through his hard work and determination he succeeded.
Today, Dr. Lampitt works for a dental pharmacutical company, and is a motivational speaker, dealing with topics such as how to treat the handicapped, to dealing with life crises, to achieving success in athletics. He recently had his own dental practice in his hometown of Perryville, Mo. He has appeared on television talk shows as well as live call-in radio shows. He has entertained audiences from coast to coast with his wonderful wit and positive perspective.
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Medal of Courage will be awarded to Dr. Edwin Lampitt during Honors Weekend June 7, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Medal of Courage is an annual award given to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.