Forever the consummate teacher of skills on the mat and in the classroom, Willard Howell started the Wapello High School wrestling program in 1964 and served 29 years as the head coach, until his retirement in 1993, thus creating the foundation of tradition and excellence.

His career record of 216-100-2 is highlighted by several team and individual achievements.

He developed 57 state tournament qualifiers with 31 becoming place-winners and two winning state championships. Ten of his wrestlers finished with at least 100 career victories.

His 1992 team completed a great run to win the Class 2A Iowa State Championship, besting three of the state's strongest teams - Glenwood, Decorah and Osage. That title came on the heels of a fourth-place finish in the 1991 State Dual Team Championships.

Forever, a gentleman and a competitor, four times his colleagues named him Southeast Iowa District Coach of the Year.

He was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1993.