Keith Massey

2025 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

In the early 1980s, Keith Massey was a standout at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa and as a three-time state qualifier and two-time state place winner, Massey quickly made a name for himself. His wrestling journey continued at the University of Northern Iowa, where he became a three-time letter winner in 1985, 1987 and 1988 and a two-time NCAA Division I qualifier in 1987 and 1988. Massey also won the Western Regional Championship in 1988 and was crowned the U20 Greco-Roman National Champion in 1985. He further distinguished himself by earning honors as an AAU Junior Freestyle National Champion in 1983 and placing sixth at the Schoolboy World Championships in 1980. His foundation in wrestling was established at Council Bluffs Recreation, now Powerhouse Wrestling Club, where he first honed his skills in the sport.

After completing his competitive career, Massey returned to his roots in Council Bluffs and began coaching at his alma mater, Lewis Central High School. As head coach, he led his team to extraordinary success, capturing both traditional and dual state team titles in 2000 and 2001. The 2001 team was especially remarkable, setting five Iowa state wrestling records and tying another, including producing six individual state champions, a record that still stands today. In addition to these accomplishments, Massey’s Lewis Central squad won the Public-School National Wrestling Championship in 2001. Over the years, Massey coached wrestlers who earned well over 100 state championships and more than twenty U16, Junior and U20 National Championships. His athletes went on to achieve significant national and international success, including five Olympic Trials qualifiers in 2004, 2008, and 2012 and two World Team members in 2009 and 2010. Two of his athletes, Trent and Travis Paulson, were state champions, All-Americans at Iowa State, members of U.S. freestyle World teams and inductees of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2024.

Massey’s excellence as a coach was widely recognized, earning him the Iowa 3A Wrestling Coach of the Year award in 2000 and Southwest Iowa 3A District Coach of the Year honors in 1995, 1998, 1999, and 2000. He also received the Iowa USA Wrestling Coach of the Year award in 2003 for his contributions to the sport at the national level. Massey’s coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, technique, and hard work; qualities that helped shape his athletes into champions. His influence extended beyond high school wrestling, as he also served as a key figure in Iowa USA Wrestling, coaching several national-level freestyle and Greco-Roman teams.

In 2014, Massey took on the role of head coach for Powerhouse Wrestling Club in Council Bluffs, further solidifying his impact on the sport. Under his leadership, the club has continued to develop young talent and contribute to the growth of wrestling in western Iowa.

Massey’s contributions to Iowa wrestling were formally recognized with his induction into the Dan Gable Museum/Glen Brand Hall of Fame in 2018 with his Russ Smith Community Impact Award. These honors reflect his decades of dedication to the sport and the lasting impact he has had on his athletes. From his early days as a high school wrestler to his ongoing work with Powerhouse Wrestling Club, Keith Massey’s legacy in Iowa wrestling continues to inspire and shape the future of the sport.

Massey was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2025 along with Bob Hallman, Perry Hummel, Brad Smith and Keith Abens (posthumously).