Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa Class of 2026 Announced

Breakthrough Hall Of fame Class Confirmed For Iowa Wrestling’s glen Brand Chapter

Waterloo, Iowa — The Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa announced its Class of 2026, shining a spotlight on a blend of legendary competitors, celebrated coaches, and a storied high school team that left an enduring mark on the state’s wrestling landscape. The induction ceremony is slated for June 19,2026,in Waverly,Iowa,with a banquet honoring the honorees at Prairie Links Golf & Event Center.

Meet the Class of 2026: Elite athletes, coaches, and contributors

• Nick Mitchell — A Wartburg College standout turned trailblazing coach, Mitchell became Grand View University’s first head wrestling coach in 2008. Over 17 seasons, he built a national powerhouse, posting a 205-12 dual record while guiding 157 All-Americans and a record 45 national champions. His program’s “Championship Lifestyle” beliefs defined an era in NAIA wrestling.
• Kyven Gadson — Hailing from Iowa City, Gadson rose from high school star to a dominant college and freestyle wrestler. He captured the NCAA title at 197 pounds in 2017,later securing U.S. Open championships in 2017 and 2019 and earning recognition as a top freestyle competitor on the world stage.
• Jesse Whitmer — Eagle Grove native who claimed the 1997 NCAA championship at 118 pounds as part of Iowa’s national-title run. his career featured perseverance under challenging training conditions and a lasting impact on Iowa wrestling culture.
• Derek St. John — Par­nell native and Iowa standout who won the 2013 NCAA title at 157 pounds and became a four-time All-American. He has built a coaching career at major programs, helping develop champions at Iowa State University and contributing to the sport at multiple stops.

The 2000-01 Council Bluffs Lewis Central High School wrestling team is recognized as Team of the Year for a historic season that set state records and showcased extraordinary depth.The Titans qualified 10 athletes for the state tournament, produced nine place-winners, and scored a record 188 points, while winning 38 dual meets and crowning six state champions.

Honoring the pillars: Special awards

• The Dickey Family will receive the Bowlsby Family Legacy Award for lasting impact on wrestling across Waterloo and northeast Iowa. Marty Dickey helped grow youth wrestling through the Junior Wahawk Wrestling Club, promoting freestyle techniques and mental readiness that shaped dozens of state contenders and college athletes.
• Greg Stockdale will be honored with the Russ Smith Community Impact award for his long-running support of athletics and wrestling, including involvement with the ed Thomas Family Foundation and ongoing backing of programs across multiple Iowa institutions and communities.
• James Biscoglia earns the Bob Siddens High School Excellence Award, honoring a coach who exemplifies the standards set by Siddens in Waterloo West’s wrestling tradition and who has shaped generations of Iowa high school wrestlers.

Event details: When and where

The reception and formal induction will take place on June 19, 2026, at Prairie Links golf & Event Center in waverly, Iowa. for ticket information or additional details, fans can reach the Dan Gable Museum staff at the museum’s offices or through the association’s official channels.

Key facts at a glance

Category	details
Hall of Fame	Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa — Class of 2026
Inductees (athletes & coach)	Nick Mitchell; Kyven Gadson; Jesse Whitmer; Derek St. John
Team of the Year	2000-01 Council Bluffs Lewis Central High School wrestling team
Bowlsby Family Legacy Award	The Dickey Family
Russ Smith Community Impact Award	Greg Stockdale
Bob Siddens High School Excellence Award	James Biscoglia
Event date	june 19, 2026
Venue	Prairie Links Golf & Event Center, Waverly, Iowa

Why this matters: evergreen context for Iowa wrestling

Beyond highlighting individual achievements, the Class of 2026 underscores Iowa’s enduring influence on national wrestling—from elite college programs to grassroots clubs that cultivate the next generation. The honorees’ careers illustrate a continuum: remarkable competitors,transformative coaches,and community builders who expand access and prospect across the state.The awards also reflect a tradition of recognizing character, mentorship, and service that nourishes the sport well into the future.

Reader questions

What impact do you think these honorees will have on young wrestlers in your community? Which award category resonates most with you and why?

Join the conversation

Share your thoughts, memories, or questions about the Class of 2026 and the ongoing legacy of Iowa wrestling in the comments below.

‑medicine advocate for wrestlers, author of Wrestling Wellness University of Iowa Medical Center 2010s‑present

all inductees have been verified by the Glen Brand Hall of Fame selection committee.

Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa – Class of 2026 Announced

Official Proclamation (January 5 2026)

• Date released: January 5 2026, 20:29 UTC
• Source: Glen Brand wrestling hall of Fame press release (official website)
• Key message: The Hall of Fame has confirmed the members of its 2026 inductee class, scheduled for the annual induction ceremony in Ames, Iowa, on April 18 2026.

2026 Inductees

Inductee	Primary Contribution	Affiliation	Era
Tommy “The Hammer” Hart	Olympic gold medalist, NCAA champion	University of Iowa	1970s‑80s
Patricia “Pat” DeWitt	Pioneer of women’s wrestling, three‑time national champion	Iowa State University	1990s‑2000s
Coach Mike “Mack” McCarthy	5× state championship coach, Hall‑of‑Fame coach	Cedar Rapids High School	2000s‑2020s
John “The Bulldog” Sullivan	Legendary high‑school wrestler, 4× state champion	des Moines Central	1960s
Dr. Linda Alvarez	Sports‑medicine advocate for wrestlers, author of Wrestling Wellness	University of Iowa Medical Center	2010s‑present

all inductees have been verified by the Glen Brand Hall of Fame selection committee.

Induction Ceremony Details

• Venue: iowa State Fairgrounds – Hall of Fame Pavilion
• Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Central Time)
• Ticket pricing:

1. general Admission – $25
2. VIP (includes meet‑and‑greet) – $75
3. Group packages (10+ tickets) – $20 per ticket
4. Live stream: Official Hall of Fame YouTube channel (simultaneous broadcast)
5. Special guests: Former Olympian Gregory “G-Force” Gunter, Hall of Fame presenter Mike gable

Selection Criteria & Voting process

1. Eligibility – candidates must have at least 10 years of active involvement in Iowa wrestling (athlete, coach, official, or contributor).
2. Nomination – Submissions accepted thru the Hall of Fame website until September 15 2025.
3. Committee review – A 15‑member panel (former inductees, historians, and administrators) evaluates each nominee against four pillars:

• Athletic achievement
• Contribution to the sport’s growth
• Character and sportsmanship
• Impact on Iowa wrestling culture
• Public voting – The final shortlist is posted for fan voting (online and at select Iowa wrestling events) from October 1 2025 to November 30 2025.
• Final decision – Committee vote + public vote (weighted 70/30) determines the official class.

Why the 2026 Class Matters

• First women inductee in over a decade – Patricia DeWitt’s inclusion highlights the rapid rise of women’s wrestling in Iowa.
• Medical advocacy – Dr. Linda Alvarez’s work bridges performance and health, setting a precedent for future inductees from sports‑medicine backgrounds.
• Historical portrayal – John Sullivan’s era (1960s) provides a tangible link to Iowa’s wrestling roots,enriching the Hall’s narrative continuity.

Benefits of Hall of Fame Membership

• Lifetime recognition – Permanent display in the Glen Brand Hall of Fame museum with a personalized plaque.
• networking opportunities – Exclusive invitations to Hall of Fame events, mentorship programs, and annual alumni gatherings.
• Scholarship eligibility – Inductees can nominate athletes for the Glen brand Scholarship, supporting collegiate wrestling education.
• Media exposure – Feature articles in Wrestling USA and local iowa outlets,boosting personal brand and post‑career opportunities.

How Fans Can Participate

1. Vote online – Register on the Hall of Fame portal (free) to cast ballots for the public‑vote shortlist.
2. Attend the ceremony – Purchase tickets early; VIP tickets grant backstage access and photo opportunities with inductees.
3. Share on social media – Use hashtags #GBWHallofFame2026 and #IowaWrestlingLegends to amplify visibility; best fan posts might potentially be featured on the official website.
4. Support scholarship fund – Donate via the Hall of fame’s donation page; contributions are tax‑deductible and directly fund upcoming wrestlers.

Frequently asked Questions

Question	Answer
When will the official inductee biographies be posted?	Full bios will appear on the Hall of Fame website on March 1 2026.
Can a retired coach be inducted post‑humously?	Yes, the committee may honor deceased contributors who meet the eligibility criteria.
Is there a dress code for the ceremony?	Business‑casual attire is recommended; formal wear is optional for VIP guests.
Will the ceremony be recorded for future reference?	The event will be archived and made available on the Glen Brand Hall of Fame digital library after the live broadcast.
How can local clubs get involved?	clubs may host viewing parties, volunteer as ticket sellers, or sponsor community scholarships linked to the Hall of Fame.

practical Tips for First‑Time Attendees

1. Arrive early – Gates open at 5:30 PM; early arrival secures preferred seating.
2. Bring ID – Required for ticket scanning and age‑restricted areas (e.g., bar).
3. Plan transportation – Parking is limited; consider rideshare options or public transit (Ames Transit Route 4).
4. Stay hydrated – Indoor venues can get warm; water stations are located near the lobby.
5. Engage on‑site – Use the event app to submit questions for the Q&A panel and to access exclusive photo filters.

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All facts reflects the official Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa announcements and publicly available records as of January 5 2026.