Arizona wrestling community to hold sunset memorial for Steve Blackford in Tempe, on Sunday, Septem

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(Arizona State Sports Information)
09/04/2004


Members of the wrestling community in Arizona have organized a sunset memorial for Steve Blackford, the three-time All-American for Arizona State, who passed away in an automobile accident on September 3.    The sunset memorial for Steve Blackford will be on "A" mountain at the Arizona State campus on Sunday, September 5.    Organizing this memorial is wrestling coach Tracy Greiff, who can be reached at 602-790-6358 or via e-mail at tracygreiff@prodigy.net.    According to Coach Greiff, the memorial is being organized along with the Arizona State wrestling team, as well as Blackford's teammates and friends in Arizona.    Those that wish to attend should park near the football stadium entrance and follow the dirt path west halfway up the mountain. The group plans to start the memorial 10 minutes before sunset, and cold beverages will be served.    Immediately following the memorial, Greiff will be inviting the attendees to his house, located a few blocks from the ASU campus, for "a social gathering to eat and remember Steve for the person he was."    Blackford placed fourth in the 1999 NCAA Championships, third in the 2000 NCAA Championships and fifth in the 2001 NCAA Championships competing at 165 pounds for Arizona State Univ. He was also a USA Wrestling FILA Junior National freestyle champion in 1997.    He is originally from Des Moines, Iowa, where he where he was a two-time Iowa state wrestling champion for Dowling High School.    Arrangements from the Blackford family have not yet been finalized. Information will be posted when it becomes available.