Bob Hess

1970 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

November 10, 1910 – March 16, 1998

Others have followed, but Bob Hess helped to start the tradition of excellence that has long been associated with Cresco wrestling. Known for his grit and determination, Hess was a pivotal figure on Cresco’s earliest competitive wrestling teams under the guidance of legendary coach Henry Pillard.

Hess claimed his first major achievement in 1927 when he became the third wrestler in Cresco history to earn an Iowa state championship, securing the title at 135 pounds. That year, Cresco High School achieved its first top four finish at the state tournament, placing third overall. In 1928, although he narrowly missed a second state title, finishing as the runner-up at 145 pounds, Hess’s performance contributed to Cresco’s first-ever state team championship. Later that year, he placed second at the Midwest Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) tournament after moving back down to 135 pounds.

Following high school, Hess attended Iowa State College (now Iowa State University), where his wrestling career reached new heights. In 1931, he finished as the runner-up in both the Big Six Conference at 175 pounds and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships. The following year, Hess achieved a perfect season, winning the 174-pound title at the NCAA Championships, the National AAU, and the Iowa State Collegiate Championship at 175 pounds. His AAU title secured him a spot on the 1932 U.S. Olympic wrestling team, where he competed in Los Angeles and placed fourth in his weight class—a remarkable accomplishment on the international stage.

Hess’s dominance continued into 1933 when he captured four major titles at 175 pounds, including the Big Six Championship, Midwest AAU, State “Open” YMCA Tournament, and NCAA Championship. That year, he also claimed the National AAU crown at 165 pounds, further demonstrating his versatility and skill. Hess ended his competitive career as a three-time NCAA finalist and two-time champion, leaving a legacy of excellence at Iowa State.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Hess was an outstanding scholar. He received the prestigious Big Six Athletic-Scholarship Medal and the Iowa State College Honor Athletic Award, recognizing his academic and athletic contributions. Following his retirement from wrestling in 1933, Hess embarked on a successful career as a scientist specializing in wood products, gaining national recognition in his field.

Bob Hess remains a celebrated figure in Iowa wrestling history, remembered for his competitive spirit, academic excellence, and pioneering role in establishing Cresco as a wrestling powerhouse.

Robert Hess was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1970 along with George “Chris” Flanagan, Maynard “Spade” Harmon, George Martin, and Dr. Harold Nichols.