Dr. Norman Borlaug

March 25, 1914 – September 12, 2009

In a widely distributed video about Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug, he retells a story about getting his “Green Revolution” going in Mexico. It seems conditions were so poor in Mexico the only cultivation device available was a one-bottom plow with a harness that was to be strapped to a horse or mule. At the time, no one knew Borlaug or understood his mission to improve the food supply, and as a result support was tough to come by.

That was before Borlaug strapped the harness on himself and with the help of some locals started plowing. After showing his dogged determination pulling the plow, everyone’s outlook changed, and things started happening in Mexico.

Borlaug then tells the viewers it was during his years of wrestling at Cresco and the University of Minnesota that he developed the tenacity that still shines bright, even at the age of 90. He always referenced the principles of “giving your all and never quitting,” along with coaching and team building skills he learned in athletics, saying it had served him well throughout his life’s work. “Wrestling taught me some valuable lessons, I always figured I could hold my own against the best in the world. It made me tough. Many times, I drew on that strength.”

Dr. Borlaug, while having an outstanding wrestling career, is being recognized by the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame for his contributions to the world as well as the sport. Borlaug helped bring hunger to its knees in Mexico, India, Pakistan and other countries, and according to the Atlantic Monthly, “saved more lives than any other person who ever lived.”

Dr. Borlaug wrestled for Dave Bartelma at Cresco High from 1929-32 and was a state qualifier. He also wrestled for Bartelma at the University of Minnesota at 145 pounds where he reached the Big Ten semifinals. In addition to wrestling varsity as an undergraduate, Dr. Borlaug recalls getting 25 cents for food from his coach, getting on a bus and going out to schools and putting on clinics for kids, potential coaches and parents. “We’d put on a good show,” Borlaug recalls. Completing a master’s degree and doctorate from the U of M, Borlaug coached Gopher freshman wrestling, refereed high school wrestling, and worked for the U.S. Forest Service. While still in college, he helped his coach, Dick Bartelma, organize the Minnesota high school program, and then refereed the first regional and state tournaments.

Dr. Borlaug, after graduation, developed a new dwarf wheat, shorter and higher yielding than other wheat. After years of wrangling with political leaders throughout the world in an effort to feed the world, Borlaug was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. Borlaug continued to be active in research and teaching and travels extensively promoting the fight against hunger.

Honors are too numerous to list, but in addition to the Noble Prize he has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Medal of Welfare and countless honorary doctorates.

Dr. Borlaug also has been inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Dave Bartelma and University of Minnesota Halls of Fame and the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Dr. Borlaug was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004 and was introduced by Don Henry.

High School

CoachDave Bartelma

• State Qualifier

College

University of Minnesota

CoachDave Bartelma

• Big Ten Semi-finalist