Legendary wrestling coach Harold Nichols, 79, died Saturday night at Mary Greeley Hospital. He was ISU’s all-time winningest wrestling coach with a career record of 456-75-11.

Even after his retirement in 1985, Nichols continued to have an effect on Iowa State wrestling. He never failed to miss a home meet, until he was forced to due to his medical difficulties.

Nichols will be missed by the Iowa State and the Ames community.

During his reign from 1954-1985, Nichols succeeded in making ISU’s wrestling program what is today, a highly credited program. He helped produce notable athletes like Chris Taylor, who went on to the ’72 Olympics to win a bronze medal. Another is the current accredited University of Iowa wrestling coach, Dan Cable.

Nichols also acquired six NCAA titles and seven Big Eight titles. He produced 38 NCAA individual champions and 91 individual Big Eight titlists.

Not enough words can be said for all the things Nichols has done for the university and the Ames community. Nichols touched many people’s lives, and his determination, hard work and dedication has made the wrestling program at ISU the credited program it is today.

Current ISU head wrestling coach Bobby Douglas is one of the lives Nichols has touched.

“I learned a great deal from him,” Douglas said. “He did everything he could do to help me.”

Through all of his accomplishments, Nichols still maintained his love for wrestling. His legacy will continue to live on at Iowa State, Ames, Iowa and everywhere, because the people’s lives he touched will never forget him.