March 6, 2022
NIACC's Kelly claims national coach of year honor
COUNCIL BLUFFS - NIACC's 13th year wrestling coach Steve Kelly was honored Saturday night at the Mid-America Center as the 2022 NJCAA national coach of the year.
NIACC placed fifth at the national tournament with 109 points and crowned two national champions. Christian Minto repeated as the 165-pound national champion and Jose Valdez won the 197-pound national title.
The Trojans had a total of six all-Americans at the 2022 national meet. Clarence Lee-Green (133), Quentrevion Campbell (141) and Deville Dentis (149) also earned all-American honors.
The fifth-place finish for NIACC was the highest since the Trojans placed fourth in 2016 under Kelly.
Kelly also was selected as the 2022 NJCAA North Central District coach of the year. The Trojans claimed the district title for the first time since the 1972 season.
