BREAKING: Iowa State extends wrestling coach Kevin Dresser's contract through 2029

AMES — Iowa State is rewarding wrestling coach Kevin Dresser for his team's success on the mat.

ISU announced Thursday it extended Dresser's contract through 2029.

Dresser, ISU's eighth wrestling coach in school history, took over the program in February, 2017 and has compiled an 81-28 (.743) record. Last season, Dresser led the Cyclones to their first Big 12 Wrestling Championship since 2009 and highest NCAA Championship placement since 2010.

"We are excited that Kevin has agreed to a contract extension through 2029," ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard said. "Kevin and his staff have done a tremendous job revitalizing our wrestling program and we look forward to continued success under their leadership. The success and excitement surrounding the program is exactly what we expected when we hired Kevin to lead our program. It is very important to Iowa State University and our athletics department that our wrestling program be successful. Kevin has more than delivered in helping us achieve that goal. I could not be more pleased with the direction of our wrestling program."

Dresser was named Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2024.

"On behalf of my staff and our team, I want to thank Jamie (Pollard) and everyone in this department for helping us get to this point," Dresser said. "College athletics are becoming more challenging each year and this staff is committed to putting a great product on the mat every season. This will be a fun team to watch in 2024-25! We look forward to the future in Ames with great anticipation and we look forward to the challenge of winning at the highest level."

In July 2021, Dresser received a contract extension through 2026. On July, 1 2023, Dresser's base annual compensation increased to $350,000, per an Open Records Request completed by The Quad-City Times.