Kennedy ‘Jams the Gym’ for wrestling

Kennedy High School recently held “Jam the Gym –– Wrestling Night,” at which the school honored wrestling alumni, including former Kennedy wrestling great Steve Hunte.

More than 400 students and teachers jammed the Kennedy gym for the festivities, held to increase school spirit and promote the athletic program. “In addition to a large student body turnout, there was a tremendous wrestling alumni turnout,” said Kennedy Athletic Coordinator Craig Papach.

More than 50 former Kennedy wrestlers were on hand, and all of them were introduced to the crowd. Hunte, the special honoree, was a two-time state champion for Kennedy in the early 1970s. He went on to wrestle at the University of Iowa under legendary coach Dan Gable, becoming a two-time Big 10 champion. After graduating college, Hunte joined the Army, where he remains as a colonel. Hunte’s father, Ken, a former wrestling coach at Mepham High School, was also honored.

Following the event, Kennedy took on Mepham in a wrestling dual meet, and those in attendance watched as Kennedy ended the night victoriously.

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