WATERLOO – Two former members of the UNI wrestling program have been selected as part of the 2024 induction class of the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa.
Shawn Kelly Sr., who wrestled for the Panthers from 1979 to 1983, will be honored with the Russ Smith Community Impact Award, presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional local impact on wrestling in Iowa. Additionally former UNI assistant coach Steve Hamilton (1997-00) will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
A prominent figure in the Cedar Valley wrestling community, Kelly is currently the president of the Black Hawk Roof Company in Cedar Falls. In 2009, he and his family transformed a building they owned in Cedar Falls from a weightlifting gym into a dedicated wrestling facility. The renovated facility also brought about the creation of the USA Mat Club, a local wrestling club dedicated to teaching and coaching young men and women about the sport.
Kelly made a significant contribution to the UNI wrestling program in 2023 when he helped the Panthers transform the USA Mat Club into their new temporary training facility following the closure of the historic West Gym on campus.
“I am so grateful for Shawn Kelly and the entire Kelly family,” said UNI head wrestling coach Doug Schwab. “They have been in support of our program from day one. And they did not sit back when the West Gym was closed, they volunteered to be a part of the solution. Our staff, team, alumni, and fans will be forever grateful.”
Hamilton, an Emmetsburg, Iowa native, was a two-time Iowa high school state champion who became a four time All-American at Iowa State where he won 123 career matches. Following his career, he began his coaching career, which included a stint on Mark Manning’s UNI staff from 1997 to 2000. Hamilton helped coach three All-American athletes during his time in Cedar Falls, including Eric Keller, Randy Pugh and 2000 NCAA champion Tony Davis.
Kelly and Hamilton are far from the first Panthers to be recognized by the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa. Since its establishment in 2002, 35 UNI athletes or teams have been inducted into the hall. Kelly’s induction will also mark the ninth time an inductee has gone into the hall as a special award recipient.
In addition to Kelly, this year’s class of inductees includes Lee Fullhart, Perry Hummel, Tony Ramos, the 2022-23 Waverly-Shell Rock High School girls’ wrestling team and Brent Jennings.
The induction banquet honoring the Class of 2024 will be held at Prairie Links Golf & Event Center in Waverly, Iowa, on June 21, 2024.