The Iowa State and Ames communities will have a chance to pay their respects to a legendary coach today.

Harold Nichols, who coached the Iowa State wrestling squad in six national championships during his tenure, died Saturday night at Mary Greeley Hospital. He was 79.

His funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. today at the Evangelical Free Church, located at 2008 24th St. Services are open to the public.

When Nichols took over the wrestling program in 1954, many were pessimistic about the future of wrestling at ISU. Nichols proved nearly everyone wrong with an undefeated first season and his first national championship in 1965.

His teams went on to win five more NCAA titles and seven Big Eight championships. He produced 38 NCAA individual champions and 91 individual Big Eight titlists.

His record at Iowa State, 456-75-11, makes him the winningest wrestling coach in school history.

Even after Nichols’ retirement in 1985, he remained close to the university. He came to every home match, sitting mat-side, until his poor health got the best of him.

“He was totally dedicated to Iowa State wrestling in every conceivable way,” said Head Wrestling Coach Bobby Douglas, who worked with Nichols as an assistant in the early 1970s. “He wanted to make sure Iowa State stayed on top. There was a special aura about this guy.”

Nichols coached several Olympic wrestlers, including Dan Gable, who is now in his 21st year of coaching at the University of Iowa. Gable went undefeated in high school and college. He won two NCAA championships before losing in the national finals as a senior in 1970.