Kary Hadden graduated from Oregon State University in 1982 after lettering in wrestling for four years.

After spending three years as an assistant coach at North Salem High School, he became the head coach at Sprague High School.

In 27 years at Sprague, Kary coached his teams to 12 district titles and 11 Top 10 team finishes at the Oregon School Activities Association state tournament. He had more than 200 dual meet wins, including a 168-29-1 district meet record.

His wrestlers won 72 district titles and 14 state titles with 57 state medalists. Nine of his wrestlers earned All-American honors and 16 went on to wrestle in college.

Kary was named District/State Coach of the Year 11 times and was selected to coach the Oregon cultural exchange team and national dual meet team. He also coached high school football for 28 years as well as baseball and track.

He also served as president and vice president of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association.