Kyven Gadson

“I just want to compete as hard as I can.”

Most of our Moonlighters come on the pod to share tales of the glory days. They relive the season or game that made their career. They can philosophize about the moments that made them love sports and the life lessons that the world of sports taught them. It isn’t often that we get a guy on the mic whose biggest accomplishments might still be in front of him.

“Butt whippings are free, Jack.”

Kyven Gadson has been a standout name in Iowa wrestling for over a decade. After a runner-up finish his sophomore year of high school, Gadson went for two undefeated state titles to go along with his national freestyle and Greco medals. Gadson was one of the top wrestlers in the country at 189 lbs when he finished his career at Waterloo East. His success as a prep had him ready to follow in his dad’s footsteps to Ames. Kyven’s dad Willie Gadson, a successful Cyclone wrestler in his own right, was his coach at East. 

Gadson finished high school at the top of his game, or so he thought. In his first practice at ISU he faced Jon Reader, a 2011 undefeated champion for the Cyclones, for a marathon 30-minute match. Conversations with his dad though kept his focus on improving and he saw some success in his redshirt year. Before he was done, Gadson was a three time All American and 2015 National Champion. That title was made extra sweet by pinning future Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder in the second period.

“I don’t want to be that footnote in their story”

Kyven Gadson planned on his senior season being the end of his career. He had started his graduate degree and was planning for a life without weigh-ins. But the last six years have been focused on preparing for his opportunity to qualify for the Olympics next month. Two familiar names from his college days in Snyder and J’den Cox will be in his bracket at the trials next month.

“I would like to see where I’m at when it’s all said and done”

Off of the mat Gadson has just as much passion and drive. He wants to share the lessons he has learned through his academic and athletic career about emotional intelligence and the skills that he has learned along his journey through the Black Wrestling Association and the Be Rare initiative. Kyven Gadson is exactly the type of Moonlighter you want to cheer for both on and off the mat.

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