Northern State University Athletics

Steven Keszler, B.S. ’90 in Education - Kretchman Coaching Award
Steven Keszler graduated from NSU in 1990 with a B.S. in education. He was a member of the wrestling team from 1985-1990 and was also a member of the golf team in 1985. During his wrestling career, Steven was a three time varsity letter winner. He was named team captain for the 1989-90 season and was NSIC conference player of the week that same year. Steven was a two time NAIA national qualifier and a runner-up in the 1990 NSIC conference tournament.

Today, Steven works at Sturgis High School in Sturgis, SD as a biology and PE teacher and head wrestling coach. In his 22 years as coach, he has won 9 state championships, 14 regional championships, and 14 conference championships. He has coached 30 individual state champions and 148 individual state place winners. Steven has received numerous coaching awards including 2005 and 2010 South Dakota Coach of the Year, 2010 National Coach of the Year finalist, seven-time conference Coach of the Year, and eight-time regional Coach of the Year. He has a career dual record of 304-38. Steven has had many athletes go on to earn All-American honors in college at all NCAA and NAIA levels including an athlete that is currently on the USA World Team. Steven and his wife Linda have three children.