Charles “Chuck” Anderson
Coach/Contributor ⋅ Class of 1979
Savana High School
Chuck began his career at Tilden Tech High School under the guidance of Hall of Famer Bob Hicks, which culminated with a State Championship. He enrolled at Michigan University where he wrestled for Mr. Cliff Keene and placed in the Big 10.
Chuck began coaching as an assistant in the Niles School System, where he continued as Head coach for Niles West and coached one State Championship. In 1964 he moved to Savanna, where he completed his 15th year. During his tenure at Savanna his accomplishments included: several State Place winners, Both Class A and Class AA, two State Champions in Double A, ten State Champions in Single A, surpassed the 150 win mark at Savanna, and have added many District and Sectional Championships. His efforts resulted in him being named “Coach of the Year in Class A” three times.
Other achievements include: created the original State Wrestling Newspaper called “Illinois Prep Wresting News”, which evolved into “The Today” and finally has evolved into what is now “The Word”.
Chuck served on the State Wrestling Rules Advisory Committee for five years, through his efforts he helped established many wrestling procedures currently in place today.
He has served the IWCOA in numerous capacities, most notably his development of the Commuter Camps concept in Illinois, and his presidency of the IWCOA. He retired in 1990, and served as Grand Marshall in 1982.