Former wrestling coach Ed Peery passes away

Ed Peery, the winningest wrestling coach in Navy history, died yesterday at the age of 75. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, which he had been battling for several years.

Peery coached at Navy for 27 years, compiling a career record of 311-90-14 and winning eight EIWA championships before retiring at the end of the 1987 season. He was named NCAA coach of the year in 1968 and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1980. Perhaps most important, his record against Army was 22-2-3.

Peery coached 48 EIWA individual champions and 28 all-Americans, including Dan Muthler, who won the national title at 142 pounds in 1973. He also coached John Reich, the only three-time all-American in school history.

Peery is survived by his wife Gretchen, daughter Martie and son Greg. Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as they become available.