Clar Anderson

Clar Anderson’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and lifelong commitment to the sport of wrestling. His wrestling journey began at Olean High School, where he was a three-time state place winner and captured New York State wrestling championships in 1979 and 1980. During his senior year he was recognized for winning the most matches in New York State public high school history.

Following his high school graduation in 1980, Anderson continued his wrestling career at Auburn University, where he earned All-America honors and placed 6th nationally at 134 pounds. Driven by a desire to compete at the highest level, Anderson transferred to Oklahoma State University, where he became a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ wrestling program.

At Oklahoma State, Anderson competed at 134 pounds and captured the NCAA Championship in 1983 and added a fifth-place national finish in 1984. He helped lead the Cowboys to conference titles in both 1983 and 1984, during a historic stretch that included 44 straight dual meet victories and 22 consecutive home wins—milestones that still rank among the program’s best. Anderson concluded his collegiate career with a 99-24-4 record and three All-America honors.

Following his competitive career, Anderson transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State, NC State, and Duke University. In 1997, he was named head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, a position he held for 15 years. Under his leadership, Duke wrestling reached new heights. In 2003-04, four of his wrestlers were individual ACC champions, and Anderson was named ACC Coach of the Year by his peers.

Anderson’s influence extended beyond the mat. He emphasized academic excellence and personal development, consistently producing student-athletes who earned NWCA All-Academic honors and All-ACC Academic Team selection. In recognition of his holistic coaching approach, he received the prestigious Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award in 2007.

In 2005, Anderson led the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s All-Star Tour through Beijing, further underscoring his standing in the international wrestling community. He was inducted into the Western New York Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Section VI Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.