Cecil “Bo” Cameron

September 3, 1915 – May 6, 1993

Cecil “Bo” Cameron was a prominent figure in American wrestling, whose career spanned from an undefeated high school athlete to a respected coach and educator.

Cameron began his wrestling journey at Cresco High School in Cresco, Iowa, under the mentorship of coach Dave Bartelma. Demonstrating exceptional skill, he secured the 95-pound State Championship title in 1931 and the 115-pound State Championship title in 1933. Remarkably, Cameron maintained an unblemished high school record of 33 wins and 0 losses, setting a state record at that time.

Continuing his academic and athletic pursuits, Cameron attended the University of Michigan, where he further honed his wrestling prowess. Competing in the 126-pound weight class, he achieved a commendable college record of 25 wins and 5 losses. In Big Ten Conference competitions, Cameron placed third in both 1936 and 1937 and improved to second place in 1938. Notably, the University of Michigan’s 1937 Big Ten Championship team featured five wrestlers from Cresco, Iowa: Cameron, Don Nichols, Harold Nichols, Earl Thomas, and Frank Morgan.

After earning his degree, Cameron embarked on a coaching career, beginning with a year at Ann Arbor High School. Under his guidance, the team achieved an impressive 8-1 record and secured second place in the state competition. In 1949 and 1950, he served as an assistant wrestling coach at Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa). Subsequently, Cameron dedicated 27 years to coaching in Cedar Rapids schools, initially at Wilson and later at Jefferson High School, spending 10 of those years as an assistant coach.

During his tenure as an assistant coach, Cameron contributed to the development of two State Championship teams, one runner-up team, and eight individual State Champions. The teams amassed a record of 141 wins, 42 defeats, and 6 ties under his mentorship. Beyond coaching, Cameron was a dedicated science teacher, retiring from teaching in 1981.

Cameron’s contributions to wrestling and education were recognized with his induction into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1976. His legacy is further highlighted by his association with other notable wrestlers from Cresco, such as Harold Nichols, who became a renowned wrestling coach at Iowa State University. Cameron’s life and career remain a testament to his dedication to the sport of wrestling and his impact on athletes and students alike.

Cecil “Bo” Cameron passed away on May 6, 1993, leaving behind a storied legacy in the wrestling community.

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

High School

CoachDave Bartelma

Record33-0

• 1931 95-pound State Champion
• 1933 115-pound State Champion

College

CoachCliff Keen

Record25-5

• 1936-1937 126-pound Big Ten 3rd Place
• 1938 126-pound Big Ten Runner-up

Coaching

Record141-42-6

Ann Arbor High School (MI) – Head Coach – 8-1

• State Team Runner-up Finish

Iowa State Teacher’s College (UNI) – Assistant Coach (1949-1950)

• 1950 NCAA Team National Title
• 1950 AAU National Title

Cedar Rapids Wilson/Jefferson – Head Coach/Assistant Coach (1951-1976) – 141-42-6

• 3 Team State Titles
• 1 Team State Runner-up
• 8 Individual State Champions