Gary Steffensmeier, a native of Houghton, Iowa, wrestled at Fort Madison High School for coach Mick Pickford, recognized as a Meritorious Official by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and recipient of the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award from the Iowa Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Steffensmeier was the Bloodhounds first two-time state champion and their first four-time state tournament medalist. Steffensmeier finished fourth and fifth as a freshman and sophomore before winning titles in 1986 at 112 pounds and in 1987 at 119 pounds. He had a perfect 32-0 record as a senior and 103 career wins. Wrestling for Don Briggs at the University of Northern Iowa, Steffensmeier was a three-time Division I All-American with a runner-up and two fourth-place finishes. He had a career record of 115-29-3 and ranks fourth on the Panthers all-time win list. Steffensmeier was also named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic team in 1991 and 1992.