Richard Heron Avis HUTTON

Dick Hutton wrestling at Oklahoma A&M, later Oklahoma State, University. Hutton was NCAA heavyweight champion in 1947-48 and 1950, losing in the 1949 final to Verne Gagne, an alternate on the 1948 Olympic team, and later a professional wrestling champion. Prior to attending college, Hutton served in World War II. After the Olympics he went into professional wrestling, performing mostly in Texas. In November 1957, at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens, Hutton defeated Lou Thesz to take the National Wrestling Association professional title. He and Thesz were close friends, and Thesz, who had been a long-time champion, chose Hutton to succeed him. Hutton maintained the championship belt until 9 January 1959 when he lost to Pat O’Connor. Hutton retired soon thereafter due to injuries and heart problems.