Terence John MCCANN

While at the University of Iowa, Terry McCann won three consecutive NCAA crowns, starting in 1955. In 1957 he won the first of three straight AAU titles, these at 125 lbs. He was also undefeated in dual meets with the Soviet Union prior to the 1960 Olympics, so he was expected to do well at Rome and disappointed no one with the gold medal. After the Olympics, McCann was recruited by Olympic pole vaulter, Bob Richards, to join his motivational organization as a public speaker. McCann left his job as a bookkeeper and began an outstanding career as a motivational speaker. He later became the Executive Director of Toastmaster’s International for 26 years. He also founded the US Wrestling Federation, later USA Wrestling. In later life, he lived in California and became an avid surfer, also serving two years as the Executive Director of the Surf Industry’s Manufacturer’s Association (SIMA).