Upper Iowa University Athletics

Del Hughes received his bachelor’s of arts degree in 1969 from Upper Iowa University. While at Upper Iowa, he was an All-Conference tackle in football in 1968 as well as a team captain. He was also the wrestling captain in 1967-68 and in 1968-69. Hughes was Conference Wrestling Champion in 1966, 1968 and 1969. He placed fifth in the N.C.A.A. divisional tournament in 1968 and was All-American that same year. In 1969, he placed fifth in the N.A.I.A. wrestling tournament and was named an All-American.

Hughes was president and treasurer of the TKE fraternity and a member of Greek Week royalty. He earned an Honors Day Award, Leadership Society Award and the Len. T. Simek Scholarship Award. He was a member of SEA and Intra-fraternity Council.

After graduation, Hughes taught at Oelwein and he taught at Sioux City East High School for 12 years beginning in 1985. During his time in Sioux City, he was also the head wrestling coach, assistant girls track coach, assistant football coach, and he headed up the strength program. He was nominated for the Outstanding Young Educator award in 1971.

He was assistant football coach of the Class 4A State Champions in 1984 and assistant football coach of five additional playoff teams. He was named Assistant Football Coach of the Year in 1981, Assistant District Girls Track Coach of the Year in 1982, and the Assistant Regional Girls Track Coach of the Year in 1984.

Hughes coached three Sioux Interstate Conference wrestling championship teams, and he coached 18 wrestlers who qualified for the Iowa State high school wrestling tournament. He was also on the Iowa Wrestling Coaches Advisory Board for three years. He directed summer freestyle wrestling programs (including AAI affiliation) for nine years and supervised a summer strength and fitness program for eight years.

Hughes served as an official of the N.A.I.A. wrestling tournament in 1975 and in 1985. He and his wife, Sue (Class of 1968), have two daughters, Paige and Piper.