George Martin

1970 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

June 4, 1911 – May 29, 2012

George Martin, a charter member of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame, left an indelible mark on the sport of wrestling through his extensive involvement as a competitor, coach, and tireless promoter of amateur wrestling. Over his more than 40-year career, Martin advanced the sport on both regional and national stages.

Martin’s wrestling journey began at Eagle Grove High School under the guidance of Coach Arthur “Art” Parsons. In 1928 and 1929, he proved his prowess on the mat by earning placement honors at the Iowa State Wrestling Tournament. These early successes set the stage for a distinguished collegiate and post-collegiate career.

Martin enrolled at Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) in 1929 and competed under the legendary coach Hugo Otopalik. During his collegiate career from 1930 to 1933, Martin showcased exceptional skill and determination, becoming a two-time Big Six Conference champion. In 1932, he earned a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships, and in 1933, he achieved the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling by winning the NCAA title at 165 pounds. His success extended beyond the collegiate level, as he claimed the National AAU Championship at 175 pounds in 1934 and won an impressive five Midwest AAU titles, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile and dominant wrestlers of his era.

Martin’s contributions to the sport extended far beyond his achievements as a wrestler. Over 35 years as head coach at the University of Wisconsin, he revolutionized wrestling in the state and beyond. He was instrumental in establishing the Wisconsin State High School Wrestling Tournament, ensuring the growth and popularity of the sport at the grassroots level. Martin also initiated statewide coaching clinics and annual summer wrestling camps, providing invaluable resources for wrestlers and coaches alike. His publication on wrestling mechanics became a foundational text, influencing generations of athletes.

A proud patriot, Martin served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942 to 1945. As a Lieutenant Commander, he earned the Navy and Marine Corps Bronze Star for an act of heroism, exemplifying his dedication and courage both on and off the mat.

Martin’s legacy is one of transformative impact, marked by his passion for wrestling and commitment to developing the sport. Tragically, his life was cut short in a canoeing accident during the summer of 1970, yet his influence continues to be felt in the wrestling community.

From his early days as a standout high school wrestler to his pioneering efforts as a coach and promoter, George Martin’s enduring contributions make him a cornerstone of wrestling history and a proud inductee of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame.

George was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1970 with Bob Hess, George Flanagan, Maynard Harman, and Dr. Harold Nichols.