Takedown Report

New wrestling books out for fans, history buffs

There are several books that have recently come out that many fans will find intriguing, and for a variety of reasons. What I like most is that all have strong historical impact.
Pat Kelly, a WIN contributor for several years, has produced a terrific book entitled “K-State’s Wrestling Legacy,” with the subtitle “Stories, Stats and Personalities That Shaped the Sport in Kansas and Beyond.” Pat brings an extensive pedigree to his work, having been a two-time Iowa high school state champion, a two-time Division II All-American at Nebraska-Omaha, and built a long high school coaching career in Kansas.

WIN contributor Pat Kelly
The book is loaded with fascinating stories from an important area of wrestling’s past that has been largely forgotten. “For over 50 years, Kansas State University offered a wrestling program that became the state’s flagship at the collegiate level,” reads the back cover. “However, K-State wrestling has now been dormant for half a century. ‘K-State’s Wrestling Legacy’ gives readers a comprehensive look at the program’s history and connects it to the sport’s growth in the Sunflower State and its national influence.” Many important figures from the past parade through the pages, in particular Ed Gallagher, Myron Roderick and Fred Fozzard, all who became legends at Oklahoma State. Gallagher was born in Perth, Kansas, and graduated from high school there before moving on to Oklahoma State and leading the Aggies to 11 NCAA team championships in the 1920s-1930s era.
Roderick is a native of Wellington, Kansas, who won three NCAA titles as a wrestler at OSU and coached the team to seven NCAA team titles in the 1950s and ‘60s.
I saw Fred Fozzard wrestle during his glory years at Oklahoma State and had great respect for his aggressive style on the mat. He was NCAA champion at 177 pounds in 1967 and placed second and third, as well. In 1969, he and fellow Oregonian Rick Sanders became America’s first world champions ever. Fozzard was K-State’s last head wrestling coach, … more at … https://www.win-magazine.com/2025/06/24/several-must-read-books-for-wrestling-fans-history-buffs/

June 28, 2025 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | ncaa, sports, wrestling