DES MOINES — Some of Justin Hanson’s brightest moments on the wrestling mats came during the state tournament.

A two-time state champion and four-time placewinner, Hanson will be enshrined in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame alongside six others.

But for the 2004 Humboldt High School graduate, it all started long before those championship performances at state.

“The Humboldt and Fort Dodge community has had a tremendous impact on my career,” Hanson said. “Starting with Ron Wasoba, Dan Vote, Mike Rial, Larry Leibold and Jim Allison when I was younger, and continuing with Chad Beaman and Bobby Thompson in high school. I am sure I missed a couple, but I hope they know who they are.

“Surrounding yourself with a like mindset helps you jump levels. Those coaches mean the world to me.”

Hanson achieved success as a freshman, placing third at state and capturing the first of four North Central Conference titles. The following year, he reached the finals and earned silver before capping it all off with back-to-back golds.

He finished with a record of 135-11, breaking current Iowa State head coach Kevin Dresser’s school mark for victories.

Following his standout career with the Wildcats, Hanson went to win a national championship for Wartburg in 2009. He was a two-time All-American for the Knights, helping them capture three team titles and a pair of dual crowns during his time.

“My wrestling career has shaped me into the person I am today,” Hanson said. “The drive that I had throughout my wrestling career has fed into work, relationships and most importantly, how to carry myself day-to-day.”

Hanson, who works for Farmers State Bank in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, is a volunteer coach at Wartburg. He and his wife, Lauren, reside in Waverly with their two children.

“Being inducted into the Iowa High School Wrestling Hall of Fame is kind of surreal,” Hanson said. “It’s a honor to be named one of the best in all of Iowa high school wrestling.

“Walking out on the mat Saturday night will bring back some good memories and I am excited to share the experience with my family.”