Leon “Champ” Martin

October 19, 1921 – October 24, 2011

Leon “Champ” Martin was a distinguished figure in Iowa wrestling, both as a competitor and a coach, whose contributions left an indelible mark on the sport.

Born on a family farm near Goldfield, Iowa, Martin attended Eagle Grove High School, where he showcased his wrestling prowess by securing the 165-pound title at the 1939 Iowa State Wrestling Championships, becoming the fourth wrestler from Eagle Grove to achieve a state championship.

Following his high school success, Martin enrolled at Iowa State Teachers College (ISTC) in Cedar Falls, now known as the University of Northern Iowa. During his collegiate wrestling career, he reached the finals of the 1941 National AAU tournament, finishing as a runner-up. In 1942, he advanced to the 175-pound finals of the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, narrowly losing to Dick DiBatista of the University of Pennsylvania on a referee’s decision, with scores tied at 4-4 and 1-1. 

Martin’s academic pursuits were interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a Naval officer on a PT boat. After the war, he returned to ISTC to complete his degree in Industrial Arts Education. It was during this period that he met his future wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Deane; they married on July 21, 1945. 

In 1946, Martin began his teaching and coaching career at Algona High School, where he served as head wrestling coach and industrial arts teacher. Over a 25-year tenure, he developed Algona into a wrestling powerhouse, producing 16 individual state champions. Between 1966 and 1975, his teams secured five state team titles (1966, 1969, 1970, 1972, and 1975), and also achieved five runner-up finishes and two third-place standings. 

Martin’s coaching legacy extended through his family. His son, Dave, was a two-time Iowa state high school champion in 1965 and 1966, contributing to Algona’s state team title in 1966. Dave went on to become an NCAA champion and two-time finalist for Iowa State University, aiding the Cyclones in securing NCAA team titles in 1969 and 1970. Another son, Paul, was a three-time Iowa state high school champion for Algona, maintaining an undefeated record of 90-0 over his final three years. Paul continued his wrestling career at Oklahoma State University, becoming a three-time Big Eight champion and three-time All-American. 

Beyond wrestling, Martin was a skilled woodworker and master homebuilder, constructing 20 homes in Algona during summer breaks from teaching. 

In recognition of his contributions to wrestling, Martin was named a distinguished prep coach by “Amateur Wrestling News.” He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1976, the Iowa High School Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Eagle Grove Hall of Fame. 

Leon “Champ” Martin passed away on October 24, 2011, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, at the age of 90. He is remembered as a dedicated coach, educator, and family man whose impact on Iowa wrestling continues to be felt. 

Leon “Champ” Martin was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1976 with Cecil “BO” Cameron.

High School

CoachA.B. Parsons

• 1939 165-pound State Champion

College

CoachDave McCuskey

• 1941 175-pound National AAU Runner-up
• 1942 175-pound NCAA D-1 Runner-up

Coaching

Algona High School – Head Coach

• 5 State Team Titles
• 16 Individual State Champions
• 5 State Team Runner-up Finishes