Davis Natvig (1990) - Hall of Fame

Davis Natvig

Induction:
1990
Class:
1938

Davis "Dave" Natvig was a wrestler for Iowa State Teachers College from 1934-38. During his three years on the varsity squad, he made quite a name for himself in Panther history.

Natvig came to ISTC already with many accomplishments. At New Hampton High School, he was undefeated his junior and senior seasons and won the state 85-pound title as a junior and 95-pound title as a senior. His team tied Cresco for the state crown. At ISTC, Natvig lost only one dual match during three years of varsity competition and placed high at nationals, earning All-America honors twice. In 1937, he placed second in the 118 pound class and followed that up with a third-place finish in 1938. As a senior, he set six records and tied one.

After earning his bachelor's degree, he was named head coach at Gilmore City where he coached on champion in his one season. To many wrestling fans around Iowa, Natvig always will be remembered as the former coach of Waterloo East High School. His accomplishments there are extraordinary. From 1946-70, Natvig coached 40 individual state champions, including his son, Steve, in 1969, and led the Trojans to seven state titles and three runners-up status. He finished with a 217-40-8 record. Natvig also officiated, working meets at both the prep and collegiate levels.