Kevin Darkus

Kevin Darkus, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, was one of the most successful lightweight wrestlers in Iowa State University history.

At Cathedral Prep, he went undefeated in his junior and senior years, winning two Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state championships.

He continued his dominance at Iowa State winning an NCAA title, reaching the national finals twice and being a three-time All-American. Darkus was a three-time Big Eight Conference champion and finished his career with a remarkable 118-12-6 record.

In addition to collegiate success, he won a silver medal at the 1985 World Championships and was an alternate for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

After completing his competitive career, Darkus returned to Iowa State as an assistant coach and contributed to developing the next generation of wrestlers.

Kevin and his wife, Karien, have two daughters, Naiah and Piave. 

Awards:

Year
2025
Award
Glen Brand Inductee
Chapter/Region
National

All American Awards:

Season
1984
School
Iowa State
Tournament
Division I
Weight
126
Place
1
Season
1983
School
Iowa State
Tournament
Division I
Weight
126
Place
5
Season
1982
School
Iowa State
Tournament
Division I
Weight
118
Place
2

College Season Records:

Season
1984
School
Iowa State
Class
Senior
Bouts
47
Wins
46
Losses
0
Ties
1
Falls
0
Win PCT.
97.87
Place
1st
Season
1983
School
Iowa State
Class
Junior
Bouts
37
Wins
32
Losses
4
Ties
1
Falls
0
Win PCT.
86.49
Place
5th
Season
1982
School
Iowa State
Class
Sophomore
Bouts
35
Wins
27
Losses
5
Ties
3
Falls
8
Win PCT.
77.14
Place
2nd
Season
1981
School
Iowa State
Class
Freshman
Bouts
16
Wins
12
Losses
3
Ties
1
Falls
5
Win PCT.
75
Place
DNW
Season
Career
Bouts
135
Wins
117
Losses
12
Ties
6
Falls
13
Win PCT.
86.67

All Rankings:

Season
1984
Rank Date
12/12/1983
Weight
126
Rank
1
School
Iowa State
Season
1984
Rank Date
12/26/1983
Weight
126
Rank
1
School
Iowa State
Season
1984
Rank Date
01/16/1984
Weight
126
Rank
1
School
Iowa State
Season
1984
Rank Date
01/30/1984
Weight
126
Rank
1
School
Iowa State
Season
1984
Rank Date
02/13/1984
Weight
126
Rank
1
School
Iowa State
Season
1984
Rank Date
02/27/1984
Weight
126
Rank
1
School
Iowa State
Season
1984
Rank Date
03/08/1984
Weight
126
Rank
1
School
Iowa State
Season
1983
Rank Date
11/29/1982
Weight
118
Rank
1
School
Iowa State

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