Spotlight on MN Storm's Kevin LeValley

Kevin LeValley

Howdy All,
Recently had the opportunity to sit down for lunch and chat with Kevin LeValley down at the UofMN in the Dinkytown area, and had a great time discussing a wide range of topics generally associated with wrestling (i.e., yes, I did talk a bit about my passion for education, specifically math and sciences).

As we chatted I learned Kevin is currently earning a Masters Degree in Sports Management at the UofMN and is on schedule to complete in December 2013. Good stuff given the competitive landscape facing graduates in the current economy.

On the wrestling side Kevin is a Graduate Assistant Coach with the Gopher Wrestling team along with fellow Graduate Assistant Coaches Dustin Schlatter, Ben Berhow, and Zach Sanders.

In addition, Kevin is a member of the Minnesota Storm Freestyle team that trains under the tutelage of Jared Lawrence (co-owner of PINNacle Wrestling) and is bringing home honors and medals at the International level, specifically the past few months.

Kevin was named the Outstanding Wrestler for Men’s Freestyle competition at the 1^st Minnesota Storm Holiday Cup held this past December in Rochester and won the Gold medal at the Cerro Pelado International in Havana, Cuba on February 16^th.

  

Kevin resides in the Minneapolis area and rooms with past Gopher wrestlers Sonny Yohn and Cody Yohn, is not married, no kids, and has a girlfriend currently in Mankato seeking a Masters Degree.

Kevin attended Limon HS Colorado, and both his parents (Dan and Tammy) are involved with Colorado/USA Wrestling as Junior Director and Secretary respectively.

3 Questions & Responses

What are your thoughts on the recent IOC recommendation to remove Olympic Wrestling in 2020?

Like the rest of the wrestling community, I was alarmed at the IOC's decision to drop wrestling in 2020.  After taking some time to look deeper into the issue at hand, I am confident that both USAW and FILA are doing everything in their power to reverse that decision.  Wrestling is a historic, global, and blue-collar sport.  Wrestling has helped to provide me with an education while instilling in me many of the qualities I believe are necessary to be successful in every aspect of life.  I am very grateful for everything this sport has provided me and my family over the years, and hope that future generations will have the opportunity to compete in the sport I have grown to love.  

You mentioned the food in Cuba was good - what was your favorite?

Everything about Cuba was great.  The people, the wrestling, and yes....the food.  There was a small stand across the street from where we stayed that made the BEST Cuban sandwiches for less than a buck...they were great!

What are your goal(s) for the year 2013? 

The ultimate goal for 2013 is to make the World Team and win a gold medal at the 2013 World Championships.  First things first though, I have to take care of business at the U.S. Open.

Thanks much to Kevin for his time! and please note:

Kevin’s next competition is this week @ the US Open April 17-20 in Las Vegas, NV.

Kevin LeValley vs Kyle Dake at 2011 EIWA 149lb Championship

More on Kevin -

Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) 149 pounds:
Career Highlights:
2X NCAA Division I All-American (7th in 2010, 7th in 2011)

2011 EIWA Champion

All-time wins leader (127-40 career record)
Single season wins leader (42 in 2009-2010 season)
Team USA University World Team Member (2010)
8-time Bucknell Bison Athlete of the Week
2011 Bucknell University Outstanding Senior Male Athlete Award

Before Bucknell: Lettered in wrestling and golf at Limon High School ... served as three-year captain under head coach Cameron Soester ... won four high school state titles ... named Colorado Wrestler of the Year in 2007 ... set state record with 260 career near falls ... was a three-time USAW Junior National Greco All-American ... also earned All-America honors for his runner-up finish at the 2006 NHSCA Junior Nationals ... won three Greco state championships ... claimed two freestyle state championships and one runner-up finish ... earned All-America Scholar, NHSCA Academic All-America and Academic All-State honors ... went 152-6 in his career.

Personal: Kevin L. LeValley ... born Nov. 5, 1988 in Blackwell, Okla. ... son of Dan and Tammy LeValley ... has one sister, Dani ... father played football at McPherson College ... majoring in education.