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.