Finn Eriksen (1986) - Hall of Fame

Finn Eriksen

Induction:
1986
Class:
1931

One cannot begin to list the lifetime accomplishments of Finn Eriksen. A native of Denmark, Eriksen received his bachelor's degree from Iowa State Teachers College in 1931 and his master's from Columbia University in 1932. An outstanding gymnast in his native country, he spent over 50 years as a competitor, coach, official and educator of wrestling. He was one of the first ISTC wrestlers to win the then prestigious Midwest AAU 135 pound titles, in 1929 and 1931, and captained the Panthers in 1930. While studying for his master's he wrestled for the exclusive New York Athletic Club, going undefeated in two weight classes.

Eriksen started his coaching career at New Hampton (Iowa) High School, leading the team to its first state title. He left New Hampton in 1935 to take a teaching and coaching position at Waterloo West, becoming that school's first fulltime wrestling coach. He led Waterloo West to its first state title in 1942, with several more titles to follow.

Following World War II, he returned to Waterloo and was appointed Director of Health and Physical Education for the school system in 1947. Eriksen has officiated numerous high school and college wrestling meets, including the NCAA tournament, and served as official and judge at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. He was appointed to the National Federation High School Rules Committee in 1960, serving 12 years. He also was appointed Metropolitan Athletic Director in 1971. In 1983, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and is a member of several other Halls of Fame and national organizations. In addition, he is the author of my articles published in professional journals and magazines.