ISU wrestling coach Bobby Douglas was selected by USA Wrestling’s Executive Committee to coach the U.S. freestyle wrestlers at the 2004 Olympic Games.

“It’s a great honor,” Douglas said, “particularly at this time in Iowa State wrestling history.”

Douglas was selected from a group of five volunteer coaches and added as the fourth coach to travel to Athens, Greece. He will be coaching with Zeke Jones, Tom Brands and former ISU All-American Kevin Jackson.

ISU sophomore wrestler Grant Nakamura said Douglas has been relatively quiet about coaching the Olympic team.

“He hasn’t said too much to us, but you can tell it means a lot to him,” Nakamura said. “He’s in [our wrestling room] every day, and you can tell he’s on a mission.”

This is not Douglas’ first time on this so-called “mission.” This milestone marks his fourth overall appearance at the Olympic Games. He twice competed as a freestyler and was the head coach of the 1992 Olympic freestyle team in Barcelona, Spain.

“[It’s an] honor to represent the coaches [I’ve worked with], the wrestlers [I’ve coached] and this university,” Douglas said.

“I’ve walked the walk many times before. My greatest skill is teaching the technique and tactics of wrestling. I will also help in dealing with diplomacy and try to eliminate distractions. I’ll be playing a significant role in a variety of different areas.”

He was selected as the head coach of four U.S. World Championship teams — the most recent, a second-place finisher at the 2003 World Championship in New York City.

Douglas finished fourth in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo and was the captain of the U.S. freestyle team in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.

He said the Olympics serve as much more than medals, awards and competition.

“I have the chance to do something very important for wrestling and America,” Douglas said. “Hopefully, the purpose of the Olympics will prevail in the world. The Olympics show peace and hopefully this year will have a big impact.”

This year, he led the Cyclones to a sixth-place national finish that featured 133-pound national champion Zach Roberson.

Although the collegiate season is over, Nakamura said Douglas seems more determined than ever to have his wrestlers succeed.

“He’s coaching us like we’re in season,” Nakamura said. “He’s coaching us individually, and he’s been trying to break everything down for us.”

Douglas is the only ISU coach to lead a collegiate wrestler to an undefeated career. Cael Sanderson concluded his career in 2002 finishing 159-0 under Douglas’ guidance.