Gene “Cubby” Lybbert

January 9, 1930 – June 1, 2019

Gene “Cubby” Lybbert, born January 9, 1930, in Cresco, Iowa, emerged as one of the most respected wrestlers and coaches in Midwest wrestling history. He began his wrestling journey under legendary coach George “Chris” Flanagan at Cresco High School, where he was part of a powerhouse program that captured the 1948 Iowa state team championship. During his prep career, Lybbert was a two-time state finalist, placing second at 105 pounds in 1947 and at 112 pounds in 1948. His performance earned him a place among Iowa’s rising wrestling stars.

Following high school, Lybbert enrolled at Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa), where he lettered four years from 1948 to 1952 while wrestling for Coach Dave McCuskey. His collegiate career was nothing short of remarkable. He placed second and fourth in the NAAU Championships in 1949 and 1950, respectively, then won the NAAU national title in 1951. That same year, he earned third place at the NCAA Championships. He capped his collegiate tenure in 1952 with a perfect season, finishing undefeated and winning the NCAA national championship at 130 pounds, earning the prestigious Purple and Gold Award, UNI’s highest student-athlete honor. His overall collegiate record was approximately 27–2, including six falls. That same year, he also graduated with his bachelor’s degree and became one of the founding members of the Panther Athletic Club, supporting the university’s athletic programs.

Following graduation, Lybbert served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, continuing to demonstrate the discipline and resilience that had defined his wrestling career. Upon returning, he launched a short but extraordinary coaching career at Blue Earth High School in Minnesota. From 1955 to 1958, he led the program to four consecutive state finals appearances, capturing three Minnesota state team championships (1956–1958) and a runner-up finish in 1955. His teams were known for their technical precision and mental toughness, traits that reflected Lybbert’s own competitive style. After the 1958 season, he stepped away from coaching to pursue a career in private business.

Gene Lybbert’s lifelong contributions to the sport were recognized with induction into multiple halls of fame: the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame (1987), the University of Northern Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame (1989), and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Glen Brand Wing (2007). From a small-town Iowa upbringing to the national stage and back again as a mentor and coach, Lybbert’s story is one of excellence, humility, and enduring impact on the sport of wrestling.

Gene was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1987 with Russell Bush.

High School

CoachGeorge "Chris" Flanagan

• 1947 105-pound State Runner-up
• 1948 112-pound State Runner-up
• 1948 Team State Title

College

CoachDave McCuskey

Record27-2-0

• 1951 130-pound NCAA D-I 3rd Place
• 1952 130-pound NCAA D-I Champion
• 1951 NAAU Champion
• 1949 NAAU 2nd Place
• 1950 NAAU 4th Place

Coaching

Blue Earth High School (MN) – Head Coach (1955-1958)

• 1955 Team State Runner-up 
• 1956 State Team Title
• 1957 State Team Title
• 1958 State Team Title