Kearney, Neb. – Former Nebraska-Kearney standout Kamaru Usman will be inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Jim Koch Division II Hall of Fame later this year.

Usman, who wrestled for the Lopers between 2008-10, is one of 10 inductees in the 2022 Class. The HOF didn't honor anyone during the 2020-21 season due to the on-going pandemic. 

The Class will officially be honored at the NWCA National Convention July 30 at the Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.nwcaconvention.com/product/53552

This year's inductees include three former Olympians, seven World Team members, five winners of the Division II Outstanding Wrestler award, 22 NCAA Division II or College Division national titles, nine NCAA Division I finals appearances, six NCAA Division I national championships, and 30 overall NCAA Division II or College Division All-American finishes.

After spending his freshman season at NAIA William Penn (Ia.), Usman transferred to UNK where he was a three-time All-American (3rd, 2nd and 1st) and a two-time finalist at 174 pounds. Born in Nigeria and graduating from high school in Arlington, Texas, Usman won the 2010 National Title and finished his collegiate career on a 30-match win streak. Finally, the current UFC welterweight champion also was a part of UNK's first team National Title in 2008.

Usman joins head coach Marc Bauer (2018) and fellow wrestlers Tervel Dlagnev (2018), Frank Kuchera (2011), Jeff Sylvester (2011) and Ali Eliasi (2007) as Lopers in this HOF.