Joe Zuspann, a Fort Dodge, Iowa native, was an Iowa state champion for Fort Dodge High School after a runner-up finish as a sophomore and a third-place finish as a junior.

Zuspann was a three-time All-American for Iowa State University and helped the Cyclones capture the 1977 NCAA team title with a runner-up finish as a junior. He finished third as a sophomore and fourth as a senior.

A two-time Olympic Trials participant, Zuspann became an assistant coach at Iowa State and the University of Rhode Island.

He then built a successful wrestling program at Lawton High School, winning three Oklahoma state championships and a national title in 1993.