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, and was USA Women's Wrestling's first coach.
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 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. 1976 Wrestling Bantamweight, Freestyle Montreal, Canada 8, 0 57 kg1980 Moscow, Russia Boycotted, 57 kg 1984 Los Angeles, CA. USA 2nd Alternate, 57 kg
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 57 kg weight category.
In the lead-up to the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, Joe was designated as the 57 kg 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.
Joe's wrestling journey continued as he held the position of 2nd alternate at 57 kg for the 1984 Olympic team representing the United States in Los Angeles.
Coaching career He played a role in fostering the growth of women's wrestling.
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 contributions to the sport of wrestling with his induction into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame.
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
External links
Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame Montreal 1976 Olympic Games - Men's Freestyle 57 kg Wrestling Results Joe Corso named 2002 USA Wrestling Women's Coach of the Year Joe Corso named 2006 USA Wrestling Women’s Coach of the Year Joe Corso 2019 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee Joe Corso National Wrestling Hall of Fame