1. Robin Reed was an American amateur and professional wrestler, and wrestling coach.
14 Facts About Robin Reed
1. 2.
Robin Reed led Oregon State to its first team national championship, and as a collegiate wrestler, he consistently wrestled in the 170-pound weight division, despite his actual weight being close to 140 pounds.
3.
Robin Reed later wrestled professionally and was a World Welterweight Champion.
4.
Robin Reed grew up in Portland, Oregon and first started wrestling at Portland's Franklin High School, where he took a class on wrestling in order to get out of having to take gym.
5.
Robin Reed entered the 145.5,158.5,174.0, and 192.0 pound weight classes, winning at each weight class.
6.
Robin Reed stopped at Iowa State University and asked the coach if he could work out when it came time practice.
7.
The coach agreed, and Robin Reed proceeded to pin each Iowa State wrestler prior to practice and earned his workout.
8.
Robin Reed trained with other feared wrestlers such as Martin Burns and John Pesek, who helped refine his submission skills.
9.
Robin Reed notably lost against Pesek in a private workout match.
10.
Robin Reed reportedly took Pesek down before Pesek overwhelmed Robin Reed with his larger size and aggressive catch wrestling skills.
11.
In December 1936, Robin Reed survived a suicide attempt following a lawsuit from his ex-wife.
12.
Robin Reed resided off the Oregon coast the remainder of his life.
13.
In 1971, Robin Reed finished up his college degree at the age of 72.
14.
Robin Reed was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1978, the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame inaugural class in 1980, and the Oregon State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988.