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Jon Gapa's close encounters with opponents earned him distinction in football and wrestling during his Augustana career.
A three-year football letterman, Jon was named to the All-NCC Team in 1969. Outstanding play at middle guard also earned him the Paul Evans Award as Augie's most valuable lineman. In 1969 and 1970, he was also named first team Lutheran All-American and was an honorable mention on the Associated Press Little All-American team. Jon was selected as a tri-captain his senior year.
"There were a number of very special times at Augustana," he said. Jon described his embarrassment, however, as a senior when he intercepted a pass against UND, was hit, turned around and started running the wrong way.
For two seasons he wrestled at heavyweight. In his sophomore year he was runner-up in the All-Lutheran Tournament, and won all five of his matches on the way to claiming the heavyweight crown in the Augsburg Takedown Tournament. He finished the year with an 11-1 record, his only loss coming by a single point. During the 1969-70 season he posted a 15-3 record and was a participant in the NCAA Division II championships.
Jon graduated from Washington High in Sioux Falls; he has been named as one of the top players in their Football Hall of Fame. Jon graduated from Augie in 1971 and received a masters in education from USD in 1976; he had done doctoral work at the University of Kansas. Jon passed away in 2002.
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