Fozzard was stricken with polio at the age of 2, but overcame the disability through hard work and determination. He attended Marshall High School in Portland, Oregon. As a high school wrestler, he was a two-time Oregon state champion.[2] He then attended Oklahoma State, where he was a three-time All-American and NCAA wrestling champion in 1967. He also would help Oklahoma State win two team NCAA championships, winning in 1966 and 1968.[3]