Larry Hayes' wrestling legacy echoes through the hearts and the minds of wrestling fans across the country.

His powerful physical style of wrestling thrilled faithful fans and showcased wrestling at its best.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Hayes began amassing an amazing string of "firsts" as a prep wrestler. As a senior competing in the state tournament, he captured the first place medal and became the first state champion in the history of Lincoln High School.

As a student-athlete at Iowa State University, he began his quest to capture his first national championship. And capture it he did! But not just once in 1959, nor twice when he won it again in 1960, but three times with the third NCAA Championship in 1961.

He became the first wrestler in the history of Iowa State to win three national championships in three consecutive years! En route to his "three-peat", Hayes captured his first and second Big 8 titles and one more first when he was named to the first All-American team. He finished his college career with a record of 51 wins, four losses and one draw.

In recognition of his unprecedented accomplishment, the AAU named him Iowa's Outstanding Athlete.

Upon graduation, Hayes served three years in the United States Marine Corp and returned to a career in secondary education.

As a classroom teacher and a wrestling coach, he helped prepare his students and wrestlers for the "firsts" in their lives.

Hayes has been inducted into the Helm's Foundation Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Iowa High School Wrestling Hall of Fame. Both his high school and his university have also honored him.

For his outstanding accomplishment as a three time national champion with a contagious competitive enthusiasm, Larry L. Hayes is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.