Nels Anderson

October 25, 1892 – September 7, 1985

Mr. Anderson was instrumental in shaping the sport of high school wrestling in Iowa. As a co-author of the original Rules for Boys Wrestling in the State of Iowa, he helped lay the foundation for organized high school wrestling competition across the state. Through his dedication Nels started coaching at Clarion High School in 1923. A Diphtheria Epidemic the year before had cancelled all remaining meets and caused many schools to drop as a “Germ Spreading Mary”. Coach Anderson continued the program, determined to organize a new schedule. He nurtured countless young athletes, instilling in them the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance. 

One interesting story about Nels Anderson coaching Clarion. The Clarion wrestling team left in two Model T Fords for a dual meet at Cresco, which is 120 miles from Clarion. They departed on a snow blowing day at 7:30 A.M. on Highway 3, East on 69 to Mason City, where they took Highway 65 to Manly. They left Manly and traveled east to Riceville where the snowdrifts became hazardous and the temperature dropped to twenty below zero, with blizzard conditions. Coach Anderson and his Clarion Cowboys hired a bobsled with a team of horses and left Riceville to what was then known as Davis Corners, approximately fifteen to eighteen miles away. With the boys running behind the bobsled the team arrived in Cresco at 8:30 P.M. The Clarion wrestlers, cold and tired from their trip, were badly defeated by Cresco that night. 

Beyond wrestling, Mr. Anderson was deeply involved in his community. He served for many years as Clarion’s Scout Master, earning numerous awards for his leadership in scouting. His faith was a central part of his life; he was a charter member of First Lutheran Church in Clarion, where he served as the congregation’s first president, sang in the choir for many years, and taught Sunday School.

On May 25, 1926, he married Jenora Omundson of Roland at the Little Brown Church. She preceded him in death.

Nels B. Anderson, 92, passed away at the Belmond Care Center on Saturday morning, September 7, 1985, where he had been a resident since February 1984. Born October 25, 1892, near Roland, Iowa, he was the son of Ole B. and Anna Ryan Anderson and grew to adulthood in the community of his birth. He was baptized and confirmed at Bergen Lutheran Church in Roland. After graduating from Jewell College, he moved to Clarion, where he taught high school science and coached boys wrestling. Later, he entered the insurance field as an independent agent for American Farmers Mutual Life of Des Moines and also worked as a salesman for Hagie Seed Corn.

Nels was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1971 with Arthur “Art” Parsons. 

High School

College

Coaching

Clarion High School