Warren Williamson, man who helped start high school wrestling dies at 77
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Ronald Lenz (South Dakota State Sports Information)
11/10/2004
BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) - The man credited with helping to start high school wrestling in South Dakota has died at age 77. Warren Williamson passed away yesterday at his home in Brookings. After serving in World War Two, the Hurley native transferred from Kansas State to South Dakota State University. He lettered three times in football and was the first player to rush for one-thousand yards in a season. After coaching at high schools in Clear Lake and Winner, Williamson joined the S-D-S-U staff in 1956, where he stayed until his retirement in 1987. He was the head Jackrabbit wrestling coach from 1957 to 1973 and compiled a 134-74-9 record in dual meets. Williamson's funeral is Friday at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Brookings. Visitations will be from 4-8 P.M. Thursday at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, with a public masonic service at the funeral home at 8:00 P.M. Thursday.