Ellsworth Community College is thrilled to announce Kaden Karns as the new head coach for Men's Wrestling. Karns brings in experience as an ECC wrestler himself where he earned the title as a National Qualifier during his freshman year. Karns tied for the most falls with two-time Ellsworth All-American, Nate Lent. As a sophomore, Karns ended his collegiate career with another National Qualifier, where he was just short of earning a spot on the podium.

After graduating from ECC with an AS in Business Administration, Karns turned his passion for wrestling towards coaching and joined the ECC coaching staff as an assistant for the Men's and Women's Wrestling teams.

"I'm excited to move up as the ECC Men's head coach. I have a passion for making this program the best it can be. I'm proud to be a Panther and I'm proud of this group. They've been working hard, putting in the committment during the off-season," commented Karns. 

Karns is from Waterloo, Iowa where he graduated from Waterloo West High School, the alma mater of wrestling legend Dan Gable. Karns was a three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer. He holds the record for most wins in a career at Watleroo West High School. 

Since High School Karns has spent his summers as a youth coach and a wrestling clinician at various schools and wrestling camps across the midwest. Most notably Iron Sharpens Iron Team Camps.

"Kaden was fun to watch on the mat and it's been to watch him step into this role as our new head coach. He's going to continue to do great things", said ECC Athletic Director, Nate Forsyth. 

For a complete list of 2024-25 wrestling meets, visit us online at www.eccathletics.com.