COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland wrestling has lost an instrumental figure in program history as legendary wrestler, coach and administrator Kevin Kearns passed away earlier today. 

Few people have impacted a program more than Kearns did Maryland wrestling. 

"When I think of Maryland Wrestling, Coach Kearns is the first person I think of," Head Coach Alex Clemsen said. "Nobody supported the program more than he did."

Kearns started at Maryland as a student and wrestler in 1966. In 1970, while captain of the wrestling team, Kearns was drafted into the United States Army where he served with the 101st Airborne Division in a special operation unit known as a LRRP team (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) in Vietnam in 1971 and 1972. Upon his completion of military service, he returned to the Maryland wrestling program in 1972 and assisted Coach Sully Krouse and Coach John McHugh and the team. 

After a brief hiatus, Kearns returned to the program in 1980 and served as an assistant coach for 24 more seasons under John McHugh and Pat Santoro, coaching a trio of All-Americans in 1987. In 2004, Kearns moved to the administrative assistant position, a role he served admirably until the present time, assisting with various different duties, offering generous financial support, and being a constant and welcoming presence throughout the program. 

In 2013, Coach Kearns received a well-deserved induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. 

Kearns' immense impact on Maryland Wrestling was eventually honored in the form of an extremely special end-of-season award. In 2020, the Kevin Kearns 11th Man Award was created, only given to those who go above and beyond to help move Maryland Wrestling forward, just as Kearns did for approximately 50 combined years.

Kearns made his name as a remarkable coach in the wrestling world, but it's his impact as a person that has made an even deeper mark. His loss will weigh deeply on the entire Maryland and wrestling communities, but his impact on everyone he touched will last forever. 

Kearns is survived by his two children, Lance and Courtney. 

He leaves behind a legacy unlike any other. 

"Coach was simply an amazing man," Clemsen said. "A Vietnam War veteran, devoted husband, and a loving father, his loss is being felt by so many because of his enormous heart, his never-ending generosity, and his love for all those who were a part of Maryland Wrestling. I know none are hurting more than his children Lance and Courtney. Our program will have a giant hole that can never be refilled. My hope is that we can all reflect on all that Coach did for each of us and remember him as the special man he was and always will be in our hearts. Rest easy Coach, we love you."