College Wrestler of the Year - 2006

JOE JOHNSTON
University of Iowa

Joe Johnston, of Shawnee Mission East High School and the University of Iowa, is one of four College Senior Wrestlers of the Year. Johnston had an exciting career at Iowa, winning 113 matches and earning two All-American awards. He also was a four-time Kansas 6A state placer and two-time champion.

Johnston, who competed at 157 pounds for the Hawkeyes, nearly won a NCAA Div. I national title in 2005 with an exciting run into the finals, knocking off numerous higher seeded wrestlers in the process. He was a team leader for Iowa and helped the team to high finishes.

He had a career collegiate record of 113-45 and was a four-year letterwinner. He was sixth as a senior at nationals.

For the Lancers of Shawnee Mission East High School, Johnston placed fifth, second, first, and first in the 6A state tournament. He had a very impressive career record of 160-12 with 92 falls.

Johnston is currently an assistant coach at Cornell College for the wrestling squad. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Art from Iowa.