Russell Bush (2000) - Hall of Fame

Russell Bush

Induction:
2000
Class:
1949

Northern Iowa has tradition on the wrestling mat. It takes time to develop tradition.

In 1946, Russell Bush helped start this tradition.

Bush went to Waterloo West High School where he made a name for himself on the mat. In 1946, Bush decided to attend UNI, then State College, where he could put abilities under the national spotlight. His first season of action, Bush made it to the NCAA tournament, finishing third, losing to three-time champion David Arndt. The following year, Bush won the NCAA title at 128 pounds. Bush continued his wrestling career in 1949, seeing it end up much the same way as his first season, finishing third at the NCAA tournament.

Bush didn't give up when his college career ended, becoming national champion at the NAAU level. He is one of seven wrestlers to be named three-time Division I all-American. His achievements in the sport earned him a spot in the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame.