Eagle Grove wrestling legend Ron Gray — an Iowa State Athletics Hall of Famer — has died at the age of 86.

Gray became an NCAA legend on the mat, but his first noteworthy accomplishments in the sport were an Eagle. He was the first freshman to win an Iowa High School state championship in 1952, despite coming to Eagle Grove from a county school with zero competitive junior high wrestling experience.

Gray graduated as a three-time prep state gold medalist, also clinching titles as a sophomore and senior. His only blemish was in the finals to future NCAA champion Simon Roberts as a junior.

Gray’s athletic prowess continued as a Cyclone. He was a three-time Big Eight champ, and in 1958, Gray earned an NCAA title at 147 pounds as the No. 3 seed.

Gray then successfully defended his crown the following season, as he was named the meet’s Most Outstanding Wrestler and Iowa State’s Athlete of the Year for 1959.

Gray, who later obtained his Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University, first served as a successful head wrestling coach at both Melvindale High School and Franklin & Marshall College. He then became head coach at Kent State University, guiding the Golden Flashes to nine Mid-American Conference titles and 233 dual-meet victories. Gray coached 49 individual conference champs and six All-Americans while at KSU.

Gray was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2013.

“On behalf of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Governors and staff, I want to extend our condolences to Ron’s wife Marica, his family and all of those in wrestling who he influenced,” said Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “Ron will forever be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers to come from the state of Iowa and Iowa State University.

“His contributions and impact upon his family, friends and former student-athletes will continue to inspire future generations.”

Gray is survived by wife, Marica; daughter, Shelley (Chuck) Cunningham; sons, Michael Gray, James Gray, Ronald J. (Theresa) Gray; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis Cooper, Teresa Dodd, Roselee (Dave) Sandvig, Paula (Dave) Eck, Lana (Steve) Nail. He was preceded in death by his son, David; parents, Elwood and Ruth; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (Gray) McCart; and brothers, Robert and William.

A visitation will be held on Friday from 1-4 p.m. at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home in Kent, Ohio. A brief memorial service will follow.