Joe Corso

Joseph Marion "Joe" Corso (born December 22, 1951) is an American wrestler and coach. He competed in the men's freestyle 57 kg at the 1976 Summer Olympics,[1] and was USA Women's Wrestling's first coach.

Joe Corso
Personal information
Full nameJoseph Marion Corso
NationalityAmerican
Born (1951-12-22) December 22, 1951
Turin, Italy
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Weight126 lb (57 kg)
Sport
SportWrestling
Event(s)Freestyle
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing  United States
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place1979 San Juan57 kg

Early life

Born in Turin, Italy, December 22, 1951, Joe was raised by the Nuns of Turin Catholic Charities before being adopted at the age of 5 by Joe and Hazel Corso, owners of an Italian restaurant in West Des Moines, Iowa. At the time of his arrival in the United States he spoke only Italian.

Wrestling Career

Being of small physical stature, his athletic opportunities were limited, however under the tutelage of Coach Larry Bock he placed 2nd in the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament[2] in 1970 and became the #112 State Champion for Valley West Des Moines’ in 1971, its first State Champion since 1936.

What followed was a steady climb which saw Joe excel at the Collegiate, National and International level. During his active years, Joe won 6 National Freestyle Wrestling Championships and numerous international titles while also pursuing a career in coaching. He also was a member of the 1976 Freestyle Olympic Wrestling Team.

Joe Corso, Olympic wrestling champion
Representing the  United States
YearCompetitionVenuePositionNotes
1976 Wrestling Bantamweight, Freestyle Montreal, Canada 8, 0 57kg
1980 Moscow, Russia Boycotted, 57kg
1984 Los Angelos, CA. USA 2nd Alternate, 57kg

Olympic Accomplishments

Joe Corso represented the United States in men's freestyle wrestling at the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada, competing in the 57kg weight category. His participation in this international event underscored his dedication to the sport and his country.

In the lead-up to the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, Joe was designated as the 57kg reserve for the United States wrestling team. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from participating in the Games, which were subsequently boycotted by the United States. Such challenges are part of the complex journey athletes may face on their Olympic path.

Joe's wrestling journey continued as he held the position of 2nd alternate at 57kg for the 1984 Olympic team representing the United States in Los Angeles. His role demonstrated his consistent commitment to the sport and his aspirations to contribute at the highest level of competition.

Coaching career

Through the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, Joe Corso left a lasting impact on the wrestling world as a coach, creating a legacy defined by his dedication and contributions, especially in the development of women’s wrestling. He played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of women’s wrestling during periods of challenge and difficulty.

One of his most remarkable accomplishments was coaching the pioneering women’s wrestling team, highlighting his forward-thinking approach and unwavering support for gender inclusivity within the sport. His steadfast encouragement for women in wrestling garnered respect from both athletes and industry professionals.

Tricia Saunders, a World Champion, National Hall Of Fame Inductee, and National Hall Of Fame Board Member, attests to Corso's influential role in shaping the course of women’s wrestling. Saunders' admiration for Corso is evident as she states, “Joe was the one constant…the person who was always there.”

Joe Corso's tireless efforts to champion women’s wrestling and ensure its survival during challenging times have earned recognition within the wrestling community. He is presently being recommended for induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (NWHOF), reflecting his substantial impact and accomplishments in the wrestling community.


Past Coaching Positions
  • 1978–1980 - Assistant wrestling coach at the University of Minnesota
  • 1981–1984 - Assistant wrestling coach at Indiana University
  • 1984–2005 - Freestyle coach at Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club
  • 1991–1993 - Wrestling coach at Brophy College Preparatory High School
  • 2005–2012 - Coach at Gator Women’s Wrestling Club
  • 2005–2007 - Head coach at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana
- 2005 - 3rd place in State
- 2006 - 2nd place in State
- 2007 - 1st place in State
  • 2012–Present - Women’s & Men’s Freestyle coach at Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club
  • Wrestled/Coached as either head or assistant of seven senior women’s world teams

Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame

In 2019, Joseph Marion "Joe" Corso was honored for his exceptional contributions to the sport of wrestling with his induction into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame.[3] This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to Corso's enduring impact and remarkable achievements within the wrestling community.

The Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame, dedicated to honoring those who have left an indelible mark on the sport within the state of Iowa, has embraced Joe Corso's contributions. His induction into this esteemed institution stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the sport of wrestling.

For further insight into Joe Corso's records and accomplishments, you can explore the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame's official website at .


Honors and awards
  • 1971 - Iowa High School State Champion (AAA) at 112 lbs
  • 1975 - NCAA Bronze Medalist at 126 lbs
  • 1975 - Big Ten Champion at 126 lbs
  • 1975 - Big Ten Outstanding Wrestler Award
  • 1976 - Member of the USA Olympic Team, Montreal, Canada
  • 1979 - Pan American Gold Medal at 125.5 lbs
  • 1979 - Bronze Medalist at World Championships, 125.5 lbs
  • 1984 - 2nd Alternate, USA Olympic Team
  • 1991 - FILA Veteran’s World Champion, Cali, Colombia
  • 2002 - USA Women's Coach of the Year
  • 2004 - National Glen Brand Hall of Fame Inductee
  • 2006 - USA Women's Coach of the Year
  • 2019 - Inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame


References
  1. Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Joe Corso". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2019.
  2. Iowa High School Athletic Association. "Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame". IHSAA. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  3. "Joe Corso 2019 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee". Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
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