Lowell Lange

August 17, 1928 – November 19, 2018

Lowell Lange, born on August 17, 1928, in Dixon, Iowa, emerged as one of the most distinguished figures in American wrestling history. Relocating to Waterloo during his youth, Lange attended Waterloo West High School from 1943 to 1946, where he showcased his athletic prowess across multiple sports. He secured two state wrestling championships, earned all-state honors in football, and qualified for the state track meet, underscoring his versatile talent.

In 1946, while still in high school, Lange clinched his first National AAU wrestling title, setting the stage for a remarkable collegiate career at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Competing under Coach Paul Scott from 1947 to 1950, Lange was instrumental in leading Cornell College to its first and only NCAA team championship in 1947, a historic achievement for a private institution. Individually, he dominated the 136-pound weight class, capturing NCAA titles in 1947, 1949, and 1950. Notably, in the 1949 NCAA tournament, Lange achieved the extraordinary feat of winning the championship without conceding a single point, a testament to his technical mastery and defensive prowess.

Lowell Lange achieved an extraordinary collegiate wrestling record of 169 wins with only one loss. During his time at Cornell College, he demonstrated unmatched dominance, including an impressive streak of 129 consecutive victories, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest collegiate wrestlers in history.

An automobile accident in 1948 sidelined Lange, preventing a potential fourth NCAA title and a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Nevertheless, he returned with unwavering determination, reclaiming his dominance in subsequent seasons. Beyond his collegiate accolades, Lange secured multiple National AAU championships, further cementing his status as a premier lightweight wrestler of his era.

Transitioning to coaching, Lange briefly led Cornell College’s wrestling program in 1951, guiding his 130-pound wrestler, Walt Romanowski, to be named the NCAA’s outstanding wrestler—a highlight of Lange’s early coaching career. In 1964, professional pursuits took him to Atlanta, Georgia, where he revitalized the dormant wrestling program at Georgia Tech. Despite limited resources and balancing another full-time occupation, Lange’s dedication was unwavering. In 1966, his team achieved a significant victory over Auburn University in the Southeastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association tournament, marking Coach Arnold “Swede” Umbach’s first conference loss in over two decades. Lange’s tenure at Georgia Tech spanned over 30 years, during which he played a pivotal role in promoting wrestling in the region, including coaching Jim Pond, Georgia’s first NCAA All-American in 1966.

Lange’s contributions to wrestling have been widely recognized. He was inducted into the Helms Foundation Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1963, the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1979, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1981. Cornell College honored him in their inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1971. Lange passed away on November 19, 2018, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and profound impact on the wrestling community.

Lowell Lange was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1979 with Keith Young.

High School

CoachFinn Eriksen, Ray Jarrard

• 1945 State Champion
• 1946 State Champion
• Two-time State Runner-up Finishes

College

CoachPaul Scott

Record160-1

• 1947 136-pound NCAA D-1 Champion
• 1948 136-pound NCAA D-I Champion
• 1949 136-pound NCAA D-I Champion
• Four-time AAU National Champion
• 1947 NCAA Team National Title 

Coaching

Record118-140-2

Cornell College – Head Coach (1950-1951)

• 1951 NCAA Team 9th Place

Georgia Tech University – Head Coach (1964-1987)

• Produced First Georgia Tech All-American