Iowa wrestling icon Terry Steiner honored with North Dakota's Rough Rider Award

Terry Steiner, one of the most influential figures in American wrestling and a key part of Iowa's rich wrestling tradition, received North Dakota's prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award on Thursday. Steiner and his twin brother, Troy, were recognized for their decades of achievement in the sport and their work as coaches and ambassadors.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong presented the awards during a ceremony at the North Dakota Capitol, praising the Bismarck natives for their lasting impact on wrestling.

“Troy and Terry have carved a place for themselves in the pantheon of wrestling greatness,” Armstrong said. “As coaches and ambassadors, their impact and influence on the sport of wrestling cannot be measured. They have inspired countless men and women to pursue the sport of wrestling.”

What are the Steiner brothers known for in wrestling?

The Steiner twins dominated at Bismarck Century High School before taking their talents to the University of Iowa, where they became NCAA champions and All-Americans. Troy Steiner won three individual state titles in three weight classes from 1986 to 1988, while Terry Steiner captured back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988.

At Iowa, Troy Steiner earned four-year All-American honors and won the 1992 NCAA championship. Terry Steiner was a three-year All-American and claimed the 1993 NCAA title. Both brothers competed on the U.S. National Team, with Troy placing third at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1992 and 1996.

How did Terry Steiner impact women's wrestling?

After his competitive career, Terry Steiner became head coach of the women's U.S. National Wrestling Team in 2002. Under his leadership, women's wrestling grew into one of the fastest-growing female sports in the country, a fact Armstrong highlighted during the ceremony.

“I don't believe anyone in the United States has done more for the growth of women's wrestling across the country than Terry Steiner,” Armstrong said.

Terry Steiner's connection to Iowa runs deep. He spent years coaching and building wrestling programs in the state, and his work has inspired countless Iowa athletes. His brother Troy also coached at multiple Division I programs, including Iowa, and currently serves as head coach of the Gopher Wrestling Club in Minneapolis.

What did the Steiner brothers say about the honor?

Troy Steiner credited the values instilled by his North Dakota upbringing, but his words resonate with wrestling communities everywhere, including Iowa.

“North Dakota didn't teach us how to work hard, North Dakotans did,” Troy Steiner said to more than 300 attendees in Memorial Hall. “It was farmers, ranchers, teachers, coaches, and moms and dads raising families who taught us to show up, care for our neighbors and how to respond when things get hard. Eventually, those examples become part of you.”

He also announced the creation of the Steiner Rough Rider Foundation, which aims to help under-resourced young people in North Dakota “move forward through sport.”

Terry Steiner expressed gratitude for the recognition and the community that shaped him.

“We are grateful for your confidence in us and for allowing us to join a group of North Dakotans whose accomplishments have brought pride and distinction to our great state,” Terry Steiner said. “No matter where our careers have taken us, North Dakota has always been home.”

Why does this matter for Iowa wrestling fans?

For Iowa wrestling fans, the Steiner brothers represent a golden era of Hawkeye dominance. Their success at the University of Iowa helped cement the program's reputation as a national powerhouse. Terry Steiner's ongoing influence on the sport, particularly in women's wrestling, continues to shape the landscape that Iowa athletes compete in today.

The Steiner brothers are the 51st and 52nd recipients of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, established in 1961 to recognize North Dakotans who achieve national recognition in their fields.

“I would go to the mat every day, and twice on Sundays, to defend this selection for the Rough Rider Award,” Armstrong said. “Because without question, Terry and Troy have brought distinction and recognition to their home state, their country and indeed the world.”

Frequently asked questions about the Rough Rider Award

What is the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award?

The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award is North Dakota's highest honor for citizens who have achieved national recognition in their fields. It was established in 1961 and recognizes present and former North Dakotans.

Who are the Steiner brothers?

Terry and Troy Steiner are twin brothers from Bismarck, North Dakota, who became NCAA wrestling champions at the University of Iowa. Terry later became head coach of the women's U.S. National Wrestling Team, and Troy coached at multiple Division I programs.

How does this connect to Iowa?

Both brothers competed for the University of Iowa, where they won NCAA titles and helped build the program's championship legacy. Terry Steiner's coaching career has also included significant time in Iowa.