Rod Houston

Class of 2012

Camp Point Central

Rod Houston was born in Quincy, Illinois and attended Camp Point Central High School. He graduated in 1974. Rod wrestled two years in high school under Bob Wilson. In addition to wrestling, he also participated in football and baseball. He was honorable mention All-Conference in both football and baseball.

Upon graduation from Camp Point, Rod attended Spoon River Junior College in Canton and, after receiving his Associates’ Degree, went on to Western Illinois University. He played baseball for two years while at Spoon River.

Rod began his coaching career at Monmouth High School where he compiled a 7-13 record during his one year tenure. He served as head coach during his second year of coaching at Monmouth. He then moved back to his Alma Mater to take on the Head Wrestling Coaching duties.

While at Camp Point, Rod had a 418-279 career record. During this time he helped to sustain a small school program and establish wrestling tradition with-in the district. His 2009-2010 squad was Dual Team State Qualifier and he achieved his 400th career coaching victory on December 10, 2009. He stands 15th on the most wins list among Illinois coaches. He has coached at a small school that has consistently competed against larger school. Camp Point did not have a conference affiliation. He had 34 state qualifiers and two place-winners.

Rod started the IKWF program at Camp Point in the early 1990’s and then worked and succeeded in starting the junior high school program soon after.

In 2010 the IWCOA recognized Rod with a Silver Level Special Recognition Award to honor his 400th career coaching victory.

Rod is listed as a Who’s Who Among American Teachers 5 times. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Trinity Lutheran Church.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Rod was selected Area Baseball Coach of the Year in 1996.

Rod retired from coaching after the 2011 season