Class of 2020

Chicago Lake View/Colorado Springs

Joe Betterman started wrestling his freshman year at Lake View High School in Chicago Illinois in 1998. Hewas coached by Puerto Rico Olympian Carmelo Flores and Mike Ramirez. Joe was a 2-time state qualifier placing 6th his senior year finishing with a high school career record of 99-24. Joe represented Illinois 4 years in a row at the USA Wrestling Cadet and Junior Nationals in Fargo North Dakota, claiming all American status in Junior Greco Roman in 2001 placing 5th.

After High School Joe attended the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University to pursue his dream to represent team USA in Greco Roman wrestling. He was coached by Bulgarian Olympian and World Silver Medalist Ivan Ivanov. In 2008 Joe moved to Colorado Springs to train at the Olympic TrainingCenter. While at the OTC he was coached by Olympic Champions Steve Fraser, Momir Petkovic and Olympian Ike Anderson. In 2012 Joe Joined the United States Army to train and compete for the Army's World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). He was Coached by 2X World Team Member Shon Lewis and Bruce Robinson. In 2015 Joe had to retire from competing at the senior level due to multiple spinal injuries and surgeries. Although Joe's career was cut shorter than expected he was able to accomplish these achievements throughout his Olympic Career:

2x Jr. National Champion (03,04)
2x University National Champion (04,05)
4x Senior National Champion (09,11,12,13)
4x Senior National Runner Up (06,07,08,14)
2007 U.S. Greco World Team Member
2008 U.S Olympic Trials Champion
2011 U.S. Greco World Team Member
2012 Olympic Alternate
8x Senior National Team Member
32 Senior International Medals

Today Joe Lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife Deanna Betterman (2X World Team Member) and four children. Joe now puts all his focus into coaching his wrestling academy, Betterman Elite. Joe has served as the Colorado USA Wrestling State Chairman the last 4 years.