Hall of Fame

RUSS DECKER

Although Russ Decker’s wrestling career as a competitor was not stellar, he recognized and was able to use wrestling as a springboard to influencing kids and to achieve career goals.

Coach Decker began his wrestling career as a 7th grade novice in 1964 at Oakley, Kansas. After a self-described sub-par career as a wrestler in high school, Coach Decker attended Ft. Hays State University where he joined the wrestling team as a walk-on. Coach Decker struggled as a collegiate wrestler, but it was at Ft. Hays State that he began to build his future and to examine the lessons taught by his experiences. He was quoted by the Wellington Daily News upon his retirement from coaching that, “There’s a lesson, there. No matter what you do, no matter how talented you are, you must work hard. I think that is what I learned most …”

Consequently, he made education his career choice and used wrestling to secure his future. The lessons he learned were first put to use at Belleville High School where Coach Decker began his teaching and coaching career. He guided the Buffalo wrestling program to three league championships in the always-tough North Central Kansas League, two regional team championships, and three regional team runners-up. With Coach Decker at the helm, the Buffaloes had 45 individual state qualifiers, 10 state placers, and two individual state champions. Also, Belleville finished in the top ten three times.

In 1982, Coach Decker made the move to the south end of the state to Wellington. He successfully built upon the Wellington tradition compiling a remarkable 125-14-1 dual record along with eight Chisholm Trail League titles. The Crusaders were regional champions four times and regional runners-up five times under Coach Decker. Wellington qualified 91 wrestlers to state competition during his tenure with 44 earning state medals and 10 winning state championships. The Crusaders claimed the 1991 4A state championship and were state team runners-up twice. In addition, five Wellington teams placed in the top five under Coach Decker’s guidance. Coach Decker’s efforts earned him recognition as the Class 5A Coach of the Year in 1984 and Class 4A Coach of the Year in 1991. Coach Decker continues to influence young people as an administrator for Wellington school district.