Rometo (Rummy) Macias was born October 17, 1922 in Bettendorf, Iowa. In 1950, during his time as Assistant Wrestling Coach at the University of Iowa, Macias was recruited by Mankato State Teachers College President Crawford for the wrestling coach position. The first year Macias had $300 for the program and the eight athletes practiced in a 16’x16’ warming room in lower campus. The Mankato community and the Teachers College administration were supportive of the wrestling program and were impressed Macias was able to bring a small college to compete in the NCAA division. Under Macias’ coaching the wrestling team won three national titles, eight Northern Intercollegiate Conference championships, and one North Central Conference title. During his time as wrestling coach at Minnesota State Mankato Macias also helped coach football for 11 years, baseball for two years, and golf. He held the Wresting Coach position for 38 years before retiring. At the time of this interview Macias lived in Singer Island, Florida.

Information was compiled from the interview and a few online profiles on Rummy Macias:

http://today.mnsu.edu/2013/04/22/the-quintessential-maverick/

http://www.iowawrestlinghalloffame.com/inductees/rometo-macias.html