The Man Who Turned Into A Legend

New Mexico Highlands Head Wrestling Coach Doug Moses recently announced his retirement after his 15th season with the Cowboys. As a competitor and coach, Doug made a tremendous impact in the wrestling world, especially when it comes to coaching native New Mexico Wrestlers. 

Doug is from Waterloo Iowa, the same town as wrestling legend Dan Gable. Wrestling at Iowa State with Dan Gable as a teammate for two years, Doug was a two time varsity Letterman and once qualified for the NCAA National Tournament. Doug finished his college career at Adams State College after a late transfer from Iowa. As a Grizzly, Doug captured a RMAC & NAIA National title in 1972, with the honor as a member of two World Cup Freestyle Teams in 1973-75. 

As a tenacious competitor, it's coaching where Doug made an even bigger impact. With 35 plus years in the game, Doug has coached over 70 All-Americans earning a ton of honors in the process. 

Doug started his coaching career at University of Southern Colorado in 1982. He led the Thunderwolves to 7 RMAC Championships and two National Runner-Up titles in a twenty year span, creating a wrestling dynasty in Southern Colorado. In 2001, the wrestling program was abruptly cut for budget reasons. In 2005, Doug then took over as the Head Wrestling Coach at New Mexico Highlands University, rejuvenating a well needed program in New Mexico for 15 years.  

In the midst of all his years of service Doug has 7 different Hall of Fame honors showing up on his resume, including coaching more New Mexico All-Americans than any other coach at the college level. The New Mexico Wrestling Community is gracious for his service, he will be missed by many. 

Contact was made to The NMHU Athletic Director to see if anyone has applied for the vacant position. Athletic director Andrew Ehling informed us no one has applied yet. He did mention an urge to move quickly on a replacement due to recruiting purposes. 

NM All Americans under Doug Moses 

• Tony Freeman - 3X All-American

• Mannie Garcia - 2X All-American

• Lucas Trujillo - 1X All-American

• Jason Tapia - 3X All American

• Doug Smith - 1X All-American

• Luke Mckpeek - 3XAll-American

• Jonathan Trujillo - 1X All-American

Doug Moses Hall Of Fame Honors 

• Class Of 2007 - RMAC Hall Of Fame (1972 Adams State Wrestling Team)

• Class Of 2009 - Adams State Hall Of Fame 

• Class Of 2011 - CSU Pueblo Hall Of Fame 

• Class Of 2012 - NCAA Division II Coaches Association Wrestling Hall Of Fame

• Class Of 2013 - AAU Wrestling Hall Of Fame

• Class Of 2018 - New Mexico Wrestling Hall Of Fame

• Class Of 2018 - RMAC Hall Of Fame (Individual)