Kirk Myers (1999) - Hall of Fame

Kirk Myers

Induction:
1999
Class:
1982

UNI has had a tradition of great wrestling over the years, and Kirk Myers helped make it so.

Myers graduated from Algona (Iowa) High School in 1977. He was a member of the wrestling team, but didn't wrestle varsity until his senior season. He then made good, finishing 32-0 with a state title.

It was this hard work and determination that caught the eye of then head Panther wrestling coach Chuck Patten. Myers' brother, Wayne, was competing in track at UNI, and not long after, Myers decided to come to Cedar Falls. It didn't take long for him to make his mark as he finished first in the NCAA Division II National Championships that year at 190 pounds. He also placed sixth in Division I at the same weight. 1979 brought about much of the same success for Myers, as he once again took home the Division II title at 190 pounds and a third-place finish in Division I.

In 1980, Myers brought home his third Division II title in the same number of years, but did not place in the Division I tournament. He redshirted the 1980-81 season, the first year the Panthers moved up to Division I competition. During his last season in 1982, he rounded out his collegiate career with a fifth-place finish in the Division I tournament at 190 pounds.

Myers' wrestling career definitely puts him among the best that have ever participated in the sport. He was the first wrestler in UNI history to win 30 or more matches in four consecutive years. He finished his career with 134 victories, including 61 pins. In 1981-82, he set the school record for pins in one season with 21. He also was voted MVP of the 1982 Midwest Regional Tournament. Myers graduated from UNI in 1982 with a degree in education.