An Iowanwho was believed tobe the oldest living state wrestling champion in the countrypassed away earlier this week.
Paul E. Hassman of New Hampton died at the age of 108 on Thursday, according to a recent notice.
Hassman, who rode the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa throughout his 70s, won the high school state wrestlingchampionship in the 155-pound class in 1933. He and his teammates ledNew Hampton High School to its first individual titles and first team title, witha rich history of wrestling success to follow.