Dan Kida was a four-time San Diego section champion from 1966-1969 at Monte Vista High before becoming a California junior college state runner-up in 1970 for Grossmont College.

He went on to compete at San Jose State, where he placed fifth in the NCAA Division I tournament in 1972 and fourth in 1973.

His expansive coaching career started at his alma mater San Jose State in 1985-86. After returning to San Diego, he was an assistance coach for his cousin and fellow Lifetime Service to Wrestling award recipient Glen Takahashi from 1989 to 2000.

Kida’s coaching journey included stops at Steele Canyon, Otay Ranch, Grossmont, La Jolla, and West Hills.

While serving as head coach at Steele Canyon across multiple stints between 2007 and 2015, he led the team to six Grossmont Hills league titles and an impressive fourth-place team finish at the Masters meet.