Kadel Resigns, Taking Position at NCAA Division I Program
Oskaloosa–William Penn Athletics Director Grant Farris has announced that Jake Kadel has resigned as Head Women’s Wrestling Coach.
Kadel, who is leaving to become an assistant women’s wrestling coach at the Iowa State University, led the Statesmen to a tremendous run in three seasons at the helm.
“First, I would like to thank the administration and Grant Farris for their guidance and support during my time at William Penn,” Kadel said. “It has been an incredible place for me to grow and develop as a coach. They have some of the best resources and a great environment that truly fosters the growth of our student-athletes. I have been fortunate to work with an incredible group of women, especially this past year’s incoming class. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with William Penn in the future and supporting the program’s continued success.”
Under Kadel’s leadership, the Statesmen won the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship title, while also placing second at the NAIA National Championship this season. In his other two campaigns, WPU earned two Heart runner-up finishes and produced two fourth-place national efforts.
Individually, he guided nine Statesmen to NAIA national titles, while a combined 18 student-athletes garnered All-America recognition. Thirteen wrestlers won Heart titles in his tenure as well.
Kadel was a two-time Heart Coach of the Year (2024, 2026), and was also tabbed as the NAIA Coach of the Year in 2026.
“Coach Kadel has played a pivotal role in the growth and transformation of our women’s wrestling program,” Farris said. “His leadership, passion, and dedication to our student-athletes helped elevate the program to a new level of success and built a strong, lasting culture of excellence.”
“We are deeply appreciative of the impact he has made on our department and the foundation he leaves behind,” Farris added. “While we will miss him, we wish him all the best as he begins this next opportunity at Iowa State.”
A national search for a new women’s wrestling coach will be immediately.
