However, this week was a sobering one locally, with the loss of both Dave Musselman and Carlton Haselrig.
Musselman was a longtime official in District 5, while Haselrig is the only six-time NCAA champion in the sport's history.
I got to know Musselman early in my time at the Bedford Gazette. Though I don't exactly recall the date, my first encounter with him was at his full-time work as the owner of Musselman's Barber Shop in downtown Bedford.
Of course, during the wrestling season, I would see him at numerous dual meets, the Thomas Tournament, and the postseason events. Most of our chats though took place with "Muss" cutting my hair inside his shop.
Often, a copy of that day's Gazette was sitting on one of the chairs, or he would be reading the sports section whenever I came in the door. We'd talk wrestling a lot as you might expect. If it was during the season and he was reading my story from an event, he would ask my opinion on certain individuals or teams, or if there was a controversial call or something that came up, he would ask about that.
We would also discuss other sports and deer hunting as well. Although I have never hunted, I was always glad to hear what Dave and his family were up to in search of a big buck. He would talk about his kids or grandkids going out, too. I could tell that he was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Haselrig's story is well-known. He won a PIAA wrestling championship as a high school senior at Greater Johnstown before claiming his six national titles. He won three Division II crowns at UPJ which allowed him to compete in the Division I national tournament, where he won three of those as well. Current rules do not allow for lower-level champions to compete in the Division I bracket anymore.
Despite not playing college football, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Haselrig and he developed into a starting guard and pro-bowler before alcohol and drug problems ended his career.
I met Haselrig on one occasion, at a clinic at Claysburg-Kimmel High School over a decade ago. It was organized by current Martinsburg Central wrestling coach Dave Marko, who was at the helm of the Bulldogs at that time.
Haselrig went over some football drills with members of the high school and youth teams. Myself and a couple of other media members interviewed him afterwards, and one thing I'll remember is his warm personality and openness to discuss his off-the-field issues.
Musselman was 73 and is survived by his wife, five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Haselrig was 54 and is survived by his wife and eight children among others. My condolences to both families.
