Don BuzzardBuzzard wrestled throughout junior high and his talent was quickly noticed. As a ninth grader, he was invited to wrestle on the Waterloo East High School varsity team at 120 pounds. That year he placed second at the state championship. Buzzard was undefeated his junior and senior year, winning back-to-back state wrestling titles at 165 in 1963 and 180 in 1964. (As a senior, Don Buzzard was one of five individual champs at East that year.) Buzzard's high school record was 50-4.
Buzzard was a three-sport athlete at Waterloo East. In addition to his on-the-mat accomplishments, he was also All-state in football at East, according to his obituary.
Buzzard received a scholarship to Iowa State University where he wrestled for legendary head coach Harold Nichols. As a Cyclone, Buzzard was a 1965 Midlands champion, a two-time Big 8 conference finalist, and a two-time All-American, making it to the 191-pound finals at the 1966 and 1967 NCAA championships. Buzzard compiled an overall college record of 54-5. Among his teammates at Iowa State: his brother Bob, Veryl Long, Gordon Hassman, Vic Marcucci, and Dale Bahr.
Don Buzzard was welcomed into the Battle of Waterloo Hall of Fame in 2014.
Donald Buzzard, Jr., is survived by his brother, Bob Buzzard of Salem, Oregon; two sisters, Kim Brown and Debbie Sillman of Montgomery, Alabama; brother-in-law Wally Dietz of Waterloo and nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to a Remembrance Gathering hosted by Bob and Pat Buzzard Thursday, April 28 at the Waterloo Elks Club at 407 East Park Avenue from 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.
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