Marlin Grahn spent most of his adult life within the Portland State wrestling program. Grahn, who was the head coach from 1985-2006, is best remembered for his dominant teams at the NCAA Division II level, which included a pair of National Championships in 1989 and 1990. His teams won four regional championships (1988, 1989, 1990, 1992) while his individual athletes earned 40 All-America honors, 17 national championships and two Olympic appearances. 

Grahn was an assistant under Don Conway and Len Kauffman from 1973-1984 before taking over the program. However, it should not be overlooked that Grahn was an extremely talented wrestler in his own right, competing at Portland State from 1969-73. Grahn competed on teams that compiled a 43-22-3 dual meet record and placed in the NCAA Division I Championships four times, along with NCAA West Regional titles in 1972 and 1973. He was 53-15 with 26 pins in his career and his unorthodox, aggressive style earned him the nickname “Marlin the Magician.” 

After 2006, Coach Grahn continues to be involved: Oregon Chapter NWHOF Board, Restore College Wrestling in Oregon Board, OSAA Wrestling Championship Committee.