Howard Barker

1974 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

December 17, 1901 – July 2, 2001

Howard Tracy Barker, born December 17, 1901, in Delhi, Iowa, profoundly shaped high school wrestling in Iowa despite never competing in the sport himself. After graduating from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Barker began teaching biology and coaching football at Mason City High School in 1929. His innovative spirit led to the creation of the school’s wrestling program, sparked by his use of a small mat for linemen to practice grappling techniques. By 1932, Mason City High hosted its first wrestling meet against Clarion, initiating a legacy of excellence under Barker’s leadership.

Barker’s coaching career, spanning from 1932 to 1941 and again from 1946 to 1957 following his Navy service during World War II, was marked by both individual and team successes. His teams earned their first winning season in 1934 (8-4-0) and later secured back-to-back Iowa State Wrestling Championships in 1949 and 1950, with records of 10-2-0 and 8-3-0, respectively. Over his career, Barker amassed a dual meet record of 132-78-5, achieving a 61.4% winning percentage.

Equally noteworthy were Barker’s contributions to athlete development. He coached Edward Kline, a three-time Iowa State Champion, and helped shape the careers of collegiate stars like Norvard “Snip” Nalan, a two-time NCAA Champion and three-time Big Ten Champion at the University of Iowa. Other standout protégés included Alfred Stoeckes and George Haynes, who became conference champions at Iowa State University.

Barker’s influence extended beyond wrestling. He was a dedicated educator and role model, instilling discipline and sportsmanship in his students. His efforts were recognized with his induction into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1974 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award in 1996.

Barker passed away on July 2, 2001, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in Iowa wrestling. His final resting place is Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City, where he is remembered for his enduring contributions to the sport and his community.

Howard Barker was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1974 with Gerald Leeman.