Al Baxter was a legendary coach at both Lisbon high school and Buena Vista college. During his nine years at Lisbon, his teams won five traditional state titles. In 1978 he embarked on a 26-year coaching career at Buena Vista, a Division III school. Baxter compiled an overall dual meet record of 376-119-5 and won eight conference team championships. He also coached 71 All-Americans and six national champions. As a wrestler, Baxter was a state champion at Morning Sun in 1965 and an All-American at Morningside College.