Merrill "Doc" Frevert - Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame

1986 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

July 26, 1909 – February 21, 2006

Merrill F. Frevert, known affectionately as “Doc,” shone like a shooting star in the history of Iowa wrestling—briefly, but brilliantly. Born on July 26, 1909, in Rudd, Iowa, he grew up in a small town without a high school wrestling program. Instead, he picked up the sport informally, wrestling his four brothers behind the local barber shop—often for quarters.

After graduating high school, Frevert stayed on the family farm, but he aspired to become a veterinarian. That dream brought him to Iowa State University in 1929, where he enrolled in the veterinary medicine program. His physical education instructor happened to be Hugo Otopalik, who also served as Iowa State’s football and wrestling coach. Otopalik encouraged the sturdy farm boy to try out for the wrestling team, and it quickly became clear that Frevert would be a formidable addition.

Although injuries limited his early varsity seasons, Frevert was named the team’s “Most Improved Wrestler” as a sophomore. By 1932, he truly came into his own, winning the Big Six Conference title at 155 pounds by pinning every opponent, suffering only a single loss that year.

Frevert reached his pinnacle in 1933, when he became Iowa State’s seventh NCAA national champion, capturing the title at 155 pounds. Remarkably, he was part of a powerhouse lineup that year, joined by future Hall of Famers George Martin (165 lbs) and Bob Hess (175 lbs), who also won national titles—cementing one of the greatest team performances in Iowa State wrestling history.

After earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine that same year, Frevert moved to West Union, Iowa, where he established his veterinary practice. He served that community for more than four decades until retiring in 1975.

“Doc” Frevert’s contributions to wrestling were like his career on the mat—short but deeply impactful, leaving a legacy remembered well beyond his competitive years. He lived a long life of service and passed away on February 21, 2006, at the age of 96.

Merrill was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1986 with Dale Anderson.