Severn has a long history in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. His amateur wrestling career started in high school and according to many was an "absolute machine" at 191.5 pounds. He won both sports' national championships in 1976 and was named the "Outstanding High School wrestler in the nation". Before his 18th birthday, he was already ranked top six in the nation in the open division and placed in the Olympic trials.Severn was inducted into Arizona State University's wrestling hall of fame at the end of his collegiate career.