Tony Purler (born November 1, 1969) is an American former folkstyle and freestyle wrestler. He represented the United States in freestyle wrestling at the 1997 World Championships and 1998 World Championships at 58 kg. As a collegiate wrestler, he was the 1993 126-pound NCAA Division I champion.
Wrestling career High School He attended Wentzville Holt High School in Wentzville, Missouri. As a high school wrestler, Purler was a two-time Missouri state champion.Holt Alumni Recognized for GAC Hall of Fame Induction. Wentzville School District. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
College Purler started his college career at Oklahoma State, where he finished third at the 1991 NCAA championships at 126-pounds. He later transferred to Nebraska, where he won an NCAA title in 1993 at 126-pounds.Tony Purler - All-Americans. nwhof.org. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
Senior level Following his collegiate career, Purler earned two spots on the United States freestyle wrestling World Team. He represented the United States in freestyle wrestling at the 1997 and 1998 World Championships at 58 kg.World Team History. USA Wrestling. Retrieved May 17, 2025.Montville, Leigh. (November 3, 1997). ALL GUTS, NO GLORY THE WORLD WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS, IN SIBERIA, WERE NO PLACE FOR A U.S. ATHLETE TO FIND FAME, FORTUNE OR EVEN BASIC AMENITIES. vault.si.com. Retrieved May 17, 2025.Abbott, Gary. (May 30, 2000). Purler added to U.S. Olympic Freestyle Team Trials field via petition. USA Wrestling. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
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