Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On June 27, 1950, legendary Iowa State wrestler Ben Peterson was born. An Olympic gold medalist and back-to-back NCAA champion, Peterson left a dominant legacy on the mat for the Cyclones.
Born in Barron County, Wisconsin, Peterson prepped at Cumberland High School to wrestle for Coach Herold Nichols before arriving in Ames. Peterson joined a dominant Iowa State program where he shared the mat with greats, including Dan Gable and Chris Taylor. Peterson captured three Big Eight championships, won back-to-back NCAA titles in 1971 and 1972, and helped the Cyclones to team NCAA titles in 1970 and 1972.
On the Olympic stage, Peterson competed at 90kg. Peterson captured a gold medal at the 1972 Munich games while competing alongside his brother (John Peterson silver at 82 kg), as well as Cyclone teammates Gable (gold at 68kg) and Taylor (bronze at 100+kg). Peterson took home the silver at the 1976 Montreal games four years later.
Peterson went on to serve as the head coach at Maranatha Baptist University for 28 years. Alongside his brother, he started the Camp of Champs Wrestling camp. In 2002, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame enshrined Peterson as a distinguished member. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
