Franc Freeman
On the mat, Franc Freeman was a non-stop competitor for State College of Iowa (now Northern Iowa), placing fourth in 1961 and second in 1962 at the NCAA Division I tournament. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Freeman took his passion for the sport into the coaching realm, leading the Bettendorf Bulldogs to a pair of state team titles, and many Top 10 finishes during his 27-year career.
Franc Freeman made his mark as the head wrestling coach at Bettendorf High School for 27 years, from 1964-1991, compiling a dual meet record of 250-72-7. He won 16 conference championships during that span and led the Bulldogs to state team championships in 1981 and 1982. His 1982 squad set a state record for team points that stood for 19 years. Freeman got his start in wrestling as a competitor at Davenport High School, where he finished second in the state meet at 120 pounds in 1956. After a stint in the Navy, he wrestled for Iowa State Teachers College (now Northern Iowa), placing fourth in the NCAA meet in 1961 and second in 1962.
Awards:
Year
2009
|
Award
Glen Brand Inductee
|
Chapter/Region
National
|
Year
1997
|
Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
|
Chapter/Region
Iowa
|
All American Awards:
Season
1962
|
School
Northern Iowa
|
Tournament
Division I
|
Weight
123
|
Place
2
|
Season
1961
|
School
Northern Iowa
|
Tournament
Division I
|
Weight
123
|
Place
4
|
Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations