Grinnell College Athletics

Donald Cassiday, Jr. '56 set a high standard for Grinnell in his era. Although he also was a member of Grinnell's football squad, he was best known for his accomplishments on the wrestling mat. Cassiday worked hard as a freshman preparing for his varsity career. As a sophomore Cassiday made his presence felt within the league as he competed as a heavyweight and earned second place at the conference championships. This was only the beginning, as he took first-place honors at the following year's championships. But Cassiday saved the best for last as his senior year will forever stand out in Grinnell's history books. During this season Cassiday lost only once, while going undefeated in conference and adding another individual title to his long list of achievements. He also helped bring his team a second-place finish in conference, while pinning Cornell's Galen Peckham who at the time was the unanimous "big shot" of the conference. He capped the season off by being the first Grinnellian to compete in the NCAA national wrestling tournament. After graduation Cassiday went on to serve a distinguishable career in the United States Air Force, where he rose to the rank of colonel. After his time in the military Cassiday went on to become a valuable staff member at Aurora College in Aurora, Ill. Presently Cassiday resides in Aurora as the director of operations for North Park University.