Adams State University Athletics

As a transfer from El Camino (Calif.) Junior College, Bob Anderson made an immediate impact for Adams State by placing fourth at the 1965 NAIA National Tournament held in Terre Haute, Ind. His first NAIA All-American honor led to a NCAA Division I All-American nod as he placed sixth in the University division of the NCAA tournament. With this distinction, Anderson became one of the first All-Americans at Adams State. He followed with another NAIA All-American award in 1966 while serving as the team's co-captain. That season, Adams State placed third at the NAIA National Tournament which was the highest finish for the wrestling program at the time. Anderson was also a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Champion with Adams State. While in Alamosa, Adams State went undefeated in dual meets and won two Mountain Intercollegite Wresting Association (MIWA) championships. 

With his collegiate career over, Anderson entered the coaching realm in 1967 with Adams State as an assistant. Anderson, along with head coach Frank Powell, led the program to a runner-up finish at the NAIA National Tournament held in Lock Haven, Pa.

Anderson went on to win the 1968 Western Regional Olympic Trials and the 1968 Olympic trials in Greco Roman. He eventually earned a spot on the U.S.A. Olympic wrestling team as an alternate for the 1968, 1972, and 1976 games.  After the conclusion of international competition, Anderson would coach a Junior World team, a World Cup team, and a U.S.A. wrestling team. As an Olympic coach he mentored Rulon Gardner, Dan Henderson, Heath Sims, and Randy Couture.

Anderson went on to win two gold medals and a silver medal at the Pan Am games. In 2003 he earned the title of Masters World Champion where he went without a point scored against him. The rare accomplishment led to a featured article in Sports Illustrated. He followed with a silver medal in 2004 at the World Championships in Greco Roman.