Palestra to host Schultz memorial

The murder of Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz -- allegedly by millionaire John du Pont -- has struck the heart strings of the world. In Philadelphia, a memorial service to honor Schultz will be held at the Palestra on Sunday at 3 p.m. Penn wrestling coach Roger Reina, a long-time friend of Schultz's, was instrumental in setting up the service. "His friendly demeanor and good-hearted nature that most of you have heard others talk about is what I will remember most about him," Reina said in a prepared statement. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, where he was an NCAA champion in 1982, Schultz competed in many international wrestling events. Among his accomplishments are the 1984 Olympic gold medal, 1983 world championship, three world silver medals and two world bronze medals. "What Dave Schultz represented was the essence of a great wrestler," Reina said. "His life was about desire, concentration and intensity. He gave all that he had at all times, in all things." Schultz was ranked number one in the United States in his weight class at the time of his death, and was a top prospect for the 1996 U.S. Olympic freestyle wrestling team. "I can say that Dave's influence on the sport and those who love wrestling should never fade," Reina said. "We all benefitted from knowing Dave and from our experiences with him. He was one in a trillion." Schultz was found dead in his house on du Pont's sprawling estate in Newtown Square two weeks ago. He had been a coach for the wrestling program du Pont sponsors. He was 36 years old. Du Pont, heir to a chemical industry fortune, was charged with and arraigned for murder and illegal possession of weapons last week after hiding from police in his home for 48 hours. He underwent testing at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday. A memorial fund has been set up for the welfare of Schultz's family. Donations may be sent to: David Schultz Family Endowment, c/o USA Wrestling, 6155 Lehman Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918. The family has requested contributions to the fund in lieu of flowers.

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