Upper Iowa University Athletics

Dwight Spangler is being inducted into the Upper Iowa University Athletics Hall of Fame as a coach. Spangler graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in physical education and a minor in social studies.
 
Spangler was a two-year letter winner for Peacock football and was a part of the 1961 team that was co-champions of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, coached by Hall of Famer Eb Eischeid. The 1964 Peacock football team currently resides in the Athletics Hall of Fame here at Upper Iowa.
 
After graduation from Upper Iowa, Spangler began a 36-year career as a teacher, coach, athletic director and Dean of Students at both West Branch and Central High Schools in West Branch and DeWitt, Iowa. Spangler was instrumental in bringing a wrestling program to West Branch High School. He then spent 30 years as the head football coach at Central, DeWitt with a record of 149-123. His 1973 team finished as the Iowa Class 3A State Runner-up and the Sabers qualified for the state tournament in 1987 and 1999.  The ‘99 squad reached the quarterfinals. Spangler also established the female athletic programs at Central, DeWitt.
 
Spangler’s outstanding career in athletics launched him into four different Hall of Fames, including the Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame, the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of the Fame, and the Central High School Hall of Fame.
 
A native of Corwith, Iowa, Spangler currently resides in Davenport, Iowa with his wife of 50 years Marilyn. Together they have three beautiful daughters Kelly, Kim and Angie, and have been blessed with grandchildren as well.