The Olympic champion wrestler will serve as the namesake of the wrestling facility under construction as part of Phase II of the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse project. The full name of “Allie Morrison Wrestling Training Room” was approved by the Marshalltown School Board Monday evening.

“Having been a Marshalltown product, I can honestly say that during all my time … I had never heard of Allie Morrison,” said district Superintendent Theron Schutte. “I was extraordinarily intrigued as I did more and more research.”

He shared Morrison’s achievements and awards with the board Monday and spoke about Morrison’s years at MHS between 1922-26. During that time, he won individual state championships and helped coach the rest of the wrestling team, Schutte said.

In 1928, Morrison attained the highest level of wrestling success by bringing home Olympic gold from Amsterdam. He also won three Big 10 championships at the University of Illinois and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

“This individual has done amazing things, he’s been recognized a lot of ways over the years … I had the pleasure last Friday of talking to his only daughter, Bessie, who is 87 years old,” Schutte said.

He said there has not yet been a date set for dedicating the new wrestling room, which remains under construction with an expected substantial completion date of Dec. 10.

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Contact Adam Sodders at

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