Sherwyn Thorson was a two-time All-American wrestler, winning the NCAA title in 1962 at heavyweight after finishing runner-up in 1960. He opted not to wrestle the 1961 season as he spent considerable time in the weight room, working to improve his football skills. He was a three-year regular on the Hawkeye football team who went on to a 10-year career in the Canadian football league. He is a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Hall of Fame.