Jon McGovern

Jon McGovern, a native of Riceville, Iowa, represents the heart and excellence of Iowa wrestling. From a standout high school career to becoming one of the most decorated Division III wrestlers in history and later a transformative coach, McGovern’s journey is defined by perseverance, elite competition, and a commitment to developing champions both on and off the mat.

McGovern competed for Riceville High School from 1984 to 1988 under Hall of Fame coach Dave Ripley. A four-time Iowa State qualifier and three-time state place winner, he graduated as Riceville’s all-time career wins leader. Moving on to Central College, McGovern became the most successful wrestler in program history. 

A three-time Iowa Conference champion, he also won the UNI Open and Drake Midwest Open. He placed third at the Midlands Championships and earned three NCAA Division III All-American honors. He captured back-to-back national championships at 167 pounds in 1991 and 1992, earning Outstanding Wrestler honors in 1992. He graduated as Central College’s all-time career and season wins leader and career pins leader with 48 pins.

Following college, McGovern joined the Hawkeye Wrestling Club and competed in freestyle at 85 kg. A two-time USA National Team member, his highlights include the 1994 USA Olympic Festival Gold Medal, 1995 Michigan Open Championship, third place at the 1998 USA Nationals, and second place at the 1998 USA Senior World Team Trials. He competed in World Team Duals, held a #2 national ranking, and placed fourth at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials. Notably, he posted an undefeated 3-0 record against Barry Weldon, remained undefeated against Marcus Mollica with key wins at the Midlands, Olympic Trials, and 1998 USA Nationals (placing ahead of both Mollica and Cael Sanderson), defeated Cael Sanderson by disqualification at the 2000 Olympic Trials (placing ahead twice), beat Kevin Jackson at the 1998 World Team Trials, and defeated other elites including Ray Brinzer, Joe Williams, Matt Demaray, Chris Barnes, Tim Hartung, Dean Morrison, and Justin Abdou.

McGovern transitioned into coaching after his competitive career. He served as assistant coach at the University of Virginia, University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania with a stint as the 2000 U.S. Olympic Training Center resident athlete. In 2002 he became head coach at the University of Dubuque and holds the most wins of any UD coach. There, guided by his mantra “Better never stops,” he has led the Spartans to multiple Top 20 NCAA finishes, seven All-Americans, two national champions, and earned NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year honors in 2006. He has also served as NWCA Division III President and received the NWCA Bob Bubb Award for Coaching Excellence. 

As McGovern explains his approach, “My mission is simple and unwavering: to lead with faith, integrity, and principle, and to build champions in wrestling and in life.”

Jon McGovern was inducted into the 2026 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame with Matt McDonough, Dan Glenn, Phil Henning and Mike Finn.

High School

Riceville High School

CoachDave Ripley

Record114

• 1984-88 4-time state qualifier
• 3-time State Place winner
• Graduated as the winningest wrestler in Riceville High School history

College

Central College

CoachKevin Azinger

Record123-17-1

• 2-time NCAA D-III National Champion
• 3-time NCAA D-III All-American
• 2-time USA National Team member
• 3-time Iowa Conference Champion
• UNI Open Champion
• Drake Open Champion, 167 pounds
• Midlands Open – 3rd Place
• 1994 USA Olympic Festival Gold Medal
• Tied for Most Career Wins
  • Highest Single-Season Winning Percentage (.958)
  • Most Pins in a Season – 21
  • Most Falls (Pins + Tech Falls) in a Season – 24
• Graduated as the winningest wrestler in Central College history

Coaching

Record160 wins and counting

• Assistant Coach – Virginia, Penn, Chicago
• 2006 NCAA D-III National Coach of the Year
• NWCA Bob Bubb Award for Coaching Excellence
• NWCA President — NCAA Division III Coaches Association

McGovern has become the winningest coach in University of Dubuque program history