Glen Brand

1972 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

November 3, 1923 – November 15, 2008

Glen Brand was a trailblazing wrestler whose remarkable achievements etched his name in both national and Olympic history. Born and raised in Clarion, Iowa, he began his wrestling career at Clarion High School, earning three letters and finishing as the Iowa State High School Wrestling Tournament runner-up. His high school coach was his cousin, Dale Brand. Glen also excelled in other sports, lettering in football and track.

After graduating high school in 1942, Glen joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for four years, including 19 months in Guam and the South Pacific during World War II. His passion for wrestling persisted, and after his military service, he enrolled at Iowa State College in 1946, majoring in civil engineering while wrestling under coach Hugo Otopalik.

At Iowa State, Brand’s collegiate career was extraordinary. Compiling a 51-3 record with 30 pins, he became Iowa State’s first three-time All-American and first Olympic gold medalist. In 1948, he captured the NCAA championship at 175 pounds after defeating his longtime rival, Joe Scarpello, in a closely contested match. This victory followed a runner-up finish in 1947. His dominance was further highlighted during his undefeated junior season (11-0), which earned him conference and national titles, and recognition as Iowa State’s Athlete of the Year.

The pinnacle of Brand’s career came at the 1948 London Olympics, where he triumphed in the middleweight freestyle wrestling division. Overcoming formidable opponents, including wrestlers from Iran, Australia, Turkey, and Sweden, he became the first athlete from an Iowa school to win an Olympic gold medal. His gripping victory over Sweden’s Erik Lindén in the final cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Beyond competition, Brand’s dedication to the sport extended into his later life. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1972. His contributions to wrestling are commemorated through the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa. Outside of wrestling, he founded Brand Hydraulics, a successful business he operated until his passing in 2008.

Glen Brand’s life was one of perseverance, athletic excellence, and groundbreaking achievements. His legacy continues to inspire generations of wrestlers, particularly those from Iowa, where he remains a celebrated figure in the state’s rich wrestling history.

Glen Brand was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1972 with Bill Smith.