UNI Wrestling Great Keith Young Dies in Cedar Falls
Young was an undefeated three-time NCAA champion for the Panthers and was a long-time coach for the Cedar Falls High wrestling team.
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From the National Wrestling Hall of Fame:
Legendary wrestler Keith Young passed away on July 29 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was 81.
Young was born on September 29, 1929, in Algona, Iowa. Although Algona High School did not offer wrestling until his senior year, Young would develop into one of the greatest wrestlers in American history. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1979.
Young was instrumental in the 1950 NCAA wrestling championship for the University of Northern Iowa (known as Iowa State Teachers College at the time). He was an undefeated three-time NCAA champion for the Panthers, winning individual titles in 1949, 1950, and 1951. Young also won AAU championships those same years.
During his tenure as the head wrestling coach at Cedar Falls High School, Young led his team to two state championships (1968 and 1976), two runner-up finishes and over 200 dual meet victories.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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University of Northern Iowa
1227 W 27th St, Cedar Falls, IA -
Cedar Falls High School
1015 Division St, Cedar Falls, IA
Jon Thorson
6:42 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
Great guy and outstanding wrestling coach. Coach Young was always fair, tough as nails and compassionate. Keith will be missed! God bless - Jon Thorson
Barbara Somebody
7:26 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
I had Keith Young for Driver's Ed and he was the nicest guy ever! After he retired, he delivered Meals on Wheels to my parents and he'd visit with them because they were the last ones on his route. The Cedar Valley has lost a great guy and an outstanding wrestler and coach. I hope the tee shirts for the Keith Young Invitational at CFHS in December are designed and dedicated to this terrific man!