The University of Idaho wrestling club has seen significant growth and achievement, according to a May 9 announcement. Led by Keven Martinez, a student from Caldwell, the club has transformed from holding weekly practices with no competitions to producing its first All-American at the 2026 National Collegiate Wrestling Association Championships.
The development of the wrestling club is notable as it highlights how student initiative can revive and build campus organizations. Martinez said he decided to attend the University of Idaho after his girlfriend received a scholarship there. Wanting to continue his passion for wrestling, he contacted the existing club and was encouraged to take charge: “I contacted the person running it and said I had a few ideas for making the team better. He told me to run with it. So, I did.”
James Greene, who earned All-American status in the 184-pound class, credited Martinez’s efforts: “At competitions, other teams are surprised that Keven is coaching us while he’s wrestling,” Greene said. “He’s put in the work. He’s busy in class, he’s wrestling and he’s our leader. He brought this program up and is the reason we’re doing so well.”
Martinez recruited new members using online tools such as Trackwrestling and social media platforms associated with UIdaho athletics. Ridge Kehr described being recruited before even arriving on campus: “Keven reached out to me the summer before my freshman year,” Kehr said. The team now includes 28 athletes—mostly freshmen and sophomores—with only two juniors on its roster.
Securing practice space was another challenge that Martinez addressed by partnering with U of I’s Navy and Marine Corps ROTC program for use of their facility at Targhee Hall in exchange for equipment sharing.
Financial support came through both university funding via dedicated student fees managed by Recreation and Wellbeing programs as well as external fundraising using online platforms like Scoreboard Fundraising and Vertical Raise.
Looking ahead, Martinez emphasized sustainability over personal credit: “I helped set the foundation, but it’s up to all of the wrestlers to make the most of their opportunity,” he said. “I’m showing the guys how to keep it going after I’m gone.”
