Kyven Gadson of Waterloo, Iowa, rose from a standout high school wrestler to one of the nation’s premier collegiate and freestyle competitors.

A two-time high school state champion at East Waterloo, Gadson made an immediate impact at Iowa State University, winning the Harold Nichols Cyclone Open while redshirting before overcoming injury to become a Big 12 champion and consistent NCAA contender. He capped his collegiate career with the 197-pound NCAA title, highlighted by his memorable finals victory over future Olympic and World champion Kyle Snyder.

On the international stage, Gadson established himself as one of America’s top freestyle wrestlers, winning the 2017 and 2019 U.S. Open and earning a bronze medal at the 2019 World Cup, along with success at several prestigious international tournaments.

Gadson joins his father, Willie Gadson, honored in 2016 as the Bob Siddens Coach of the Year, continuing a powerful family legacy in wrestling.