Hutton was a 3-time NCAA champion in the heavyweight division for the years 1947, 1948 and 1950. He was the representative for the United States in freestyle wrestling in the super heavyweight division at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, placing 5th.
Attracted by the potential of big money payoffs, Hutton decided he wanted to try his hand at the professional wrestling ranks. He was trained by Ed “Strangler” Lewis, who sent him to Texas after several month of training. He used his amateur abilities to his best advantage, and his credibility in the business was unquestionable.
Lou Thesz called Hutton the best mat wrestler he ever knew. It was Thesz who insisted that Hutton take the NWA World Heavyweight title strap when the time came. Hutton would win the NWA strap November 1957, holding it until January 1959, when he was upended by Pat O’Conner.
Hutton was honored by National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the NCAA Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame, as well as the Cauliflower Alley Club, who awarded him in 1994.
We at the Cauliflower Alley Club send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Dick Hutton. He will be missed by all.
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