The United States had been shut out of gold medals at the World Championships and the Olympic Games for eight consecutive years after the 1960 Olympics, but two Oregonians were about to make wrestling history in 1969. Fred Fozzard and fellow Distinguished Member Rick Sanders laid the groundwork for future generations of American wrestlers.

No American wrestler had ever won a World title when Sanders and Fozzard struck gold at the 1969 freestyle World Championships in Mar Del Plata, Argentina. Fozzard’s path to the 180.5 pound gold medal, however, seemed unlikely. At age two he contracted polio which shrunk his right arm and left him with no grip and no working thumb. Fozzard developed a unique wrestling style to overcome this disability, which eventually led to numerous championship victories.

Fozzard followed his victory in 1969 with a solid fifth-place finish at the 1970 World Championships. Prior to his arrival on the international scene, Fozzard was an integral part of Oklahoma State’s wrestling dynasty. As a sophomore, Fozzard placed second at the 1966 NCAA tournament at 177 lbs., helping the Cowboys to the team title. Fozzard returned as a junior and won the 1967 NCAA tournament as the top seed, which included two pins and a dominant 10-3 win in the finals.

As a senior, the Cowboy standout from Oregon entered the 1968 NCAA tournament undefeated and as the top seed, but he suffered a loss to the eventual champion in the semifinals. Showing his resiliency through adversity, Fozzard stormed back with two pins in the consolation round to place third. His bonus point wins ultimately gave Oklahoma State the team championship in 1968. Fozzard’s final collegiate record was 55-4-3.

Fozzard continued his career as an assistant coach for his alma mater from 1968 through 1972. He was the head wrestling coach at Kansas State from 1973 through 1975 and an assistant coach at Portland State from 1975 to 1977. He was also heavily involved in the Southern Oregon program, a highly successful team that competes in the NAIA.

For his historic achievements that led the way for future American wrestlers, Fred Fozzard is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.