WATERLOO, Iowa—The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum will recognize the accomplishments of Bob Siddens with a new award.

The Bob Siddens Iowa High School Coaching Excellence Award will recognize a current Iowa high school wrestling coach who exemplifies the high standards that Bob Siddens set during his coaching career at Waterloo West. 

The inaugural award will be given at the 2012 Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame inductions on April 14, 2012. Siddens will be the first recipient of the award.

Siddens is arguably the greatest high school wrestling coach in American history. His 27 year coaching career (1950-1977) included 11 team state championships, a 327-26-3 dual meet record, and a streak of 88 consecutive dual meet wins. Siddens also coached nine individual NCAA champions and one Olympic champion.

“When Bob Siddens was the coach he had over 100 guys out for wrestling,” said Dan Gable, namesake of the museum and a wrestler under Siddens at West Waterloo. “In fact, the whole school wanted to come out when he was there.”

Siddens will be honored alongside the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa Class of 2012. This year’s class includes Hugo Otopalik, Dale Bahr, Kelly Ward, Ken Snyder, and the 1950 NCAA championship team from Iowa State Teachers College (now Northern Iowa). Denna Massey will receive the Russ Smith Community Impact Award. 

Contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum for information on attending the induction banquet and for a full schedule of events.