Greg Kerkvliet’s journey to becoming an NCAA champion is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance through significant injuries, and the ultimate triumph over adversity.
Kerkvliet was a highly touted recruit out of Simley High School in Minnesota, where he was a four-time state champion. His early success extended to the international stage, where he won a Cadet World Championship in 2017 and earned a silver medal at the same event in 2018. However, that same year, a major setback occurred: he tore his ACL, forcing him to withdraw from the Junior World Championships and delaying the start of his senior high school season.
Despite the injury, Kerkvliet returned to high school wrestling and had an undefeated season, capturing another state title and being named Mr. Minnesota High School Wrestler of the Year. He was considered the top recruit in his class.
His collegiate career at Penn State also saw its share of challenges. While showing flashes of brilliance and earning All-American honors multiple times, Kerkvliet had to navigate the lingering effects of his previous knee injury and other physical setbacks. In the 2025 NCAA Championships, a knee injury he sustained just before the tournament forced him to medically default out of his final matches, resulting in a sixth-place finish.
However, the pinnacle of his journey came in the 2024 NCAA Championships. After years of hard work and overcoming obstacles, Kerkvliet had a dominant tournament, culminating in a major decision victory in the finals to win his first NCAA title at 285 pounds. This achievement was a testament to his resilience, skill, and unwavering dedication to his sport despite the injuries and adversity he faced throughout his career.
Even in his final collegiate season in 2025, despite the injury that hampered his NCAA performance, Kerkvliet still showcased his high level of wrestling, earning his fifth All-American honor. His career at Penn State concluded with a remarkable record and the coveted NCAA championship, solidifying his place as one of the top heavyweights in college wrestling. His story serves as an inspiring example of how an athlete can reach the highest levels of success even after facing significant injuries and challenges.
