University of Illinois Athletics

Ralph “Ruffy” Silverstein, Wrestling • 1935-37

Ruffy Silverstein was the 1935 NCAA Champion and All-American at 175 pounds. He also boasted Big Ten Championships at 175 lbs. in 1935 and as heavyweight in 1936. Silverstein never lost a match at Illinois, and helped lead the Illini to the 1935 Big Ten team title. He was a member of the 1936 U.S. Olympic team, but because the Olympics were held in Nazi Germany, was one of several Jewish athletes who boycotted that year’s Olympics. He finished second at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1936, but was still named to the team. Silverstein had a long professional wrestling career, with his signature move being the “Falling Arm Drag.” A long-time coach after his retirement, Silverstein was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1977 and died in 1980 at 66 years. He is a member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.