Dave Natvig

Dave Natvig began his wrestling career in New Hampton, Iowa, where he was coached by Bill Waters and Finn Eriksen. Young Natvig was undefeated in the 11th and 12th grades. He won the 85-pound State Championship title in 1932 and the 95-pound State Championship title in 1933.

As a student at Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Natvig was coached by Dave McCuskey and lost only one (dual meet) match in four years of College wrestling. In 1937 he was named All-American and, at 118 pounds, placed second in the NcAA. In 1938 he was again named All-American and, at 118 pounds, placed third in the NCAA.

Natvig was wrestling coach at Gilmore City High School from 1938-41 and at East Waterloo High School from 1946-70. In those 27 years he coached 41 State Champions and seven State Championship Teams with a record of 228 dual wins, 48 defeats and 12 ties.

He retired from coaching in 1970 and from teaching in 1979.

Dave Natvig was inducted into the Cresco Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1975.

High School

CoachBill Waters, Finn Eriksen

• Undefeated 11th and 12th Grades
• 85 pound State champion 1932
• 95 pound State Champion 1933

College

CoachDave McCuskey

• All-American 1937 at 118 pounds 2nd in NCAA
• All-American 1938 at 118 pounds 3rd in NCAA
• Lost one (dual meet) match in four years of college wrestling

Coaching

High School:

• Gilmore City High school 1938-41
• East Waterloo High School 1946-70

Record:

• Seven State Team Championships
• 41 state Champions
• 228 dual wins, 48 defeats, 12 ties

Years Coached: 27

Retired From:

• Coaching 1970
• Teaching 1979