William "Bill" Dotson

William "Bill" Dotson,81,, passed away of natural causes on July

3rd, 2021 at his home in Albuquerque, NM surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his wife Linda, first wife

Sue; children Charlie Dotson, Scott Dotson, Stephanie Davis (Bryan), Chad Dotson (Cora); step-children Joey McQuarie (Jen), Michelle Jaramillo, Mike McQuarie (Chrissy), JC MqQuarie (Sara); grandkids Hunter, Keegan and McKenna Davis

He was born Oct.6,1939,in Waterloo Iowa,son of William and Margaret Morris Dotson.His siblings were Jack(Sherry),Dick(Betty),a nd Diane. He attended East Waterloo HS where he was an accomphished athlete. He was an all state QB,catcher,and 2 time state wrestling champ.He moved on to the University of Northern Iowa (Iowa State Teachers College) where he received his bachelors degree. He had a highly successful wrestling career at UNI where he became a Division I runner up in 1962, and in 1963, he became the first college wrestler in history to win both the Division I and II championship in the same year at 137 lbs. His overall college wrestling record was 78-2-4.

He moved on to become a lifetime educator as he taught at various high schools in Iowa from 19641977. He then started his college wrestling career by receiving his Master Degree from Western State College(1977), coached at Northern Michigan (197879), and was hired at the University of New Mexico in 1980 where he presided, until the program was dropped in 1999.He coached many state placewinners and All-Americans during his coaching career. Coach Dotson was a no-nonsense teacher that had an impact on many young lives over the course of over 36 years. He was caring,straightforward, funny, and challenged his student athletes to become great people. He loved his student athletes as if they were his own. Bill is in the following Hall Of Fames: East Waterloo, UNI, Division II,Iowa Wrestling Association and the Dan Gable Hall of Fame. "Beets", his nickname,was a devoted husband that enjoyed spending time with his wife. He was also an amazing father that inspired his children to serve others as teachers, coaches,college administrators, and chefs. He was a very competitive person that passed on his passion and love of sport to his children.He attended every sporting event of his kids without fail. He was also fiercely loyal to his family,friends and schools that he served.Beets didn’t have many bad days as he used humor to always spread positivity and love towards others.

Beets’ hobbies included growing tomatoes, golfing, fishing, watching the Packers, playing the ponies,hanging out with his family, and just enjoying life to its fullest. We know you are "cracking a beer" in heaven Dad. Rest easy Coach! We love you!

There will be a celebration of life in at the Pit (Club Level) on July 24th from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone wanting to donate, can donate to the Bill Dotson Tutoring Fund to support UNM Athletics. Contributions can be mailed to the UNM Foundation at Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd Alb, NM 87102 or online at:

//www.unmfund. org/fund/coach-bill-dotson