Jake Varner

Jake Varner, born on March 24, 1986, is a distinguished American amateur wrestler renowned for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He made history by clinching the gold medal in the 96 kg category at the 2012 Summer Olympics in freestyle wrestling, showcasing his exceptional talent on the world stage.

Varner's wrestling journey began in high school at Bakersfield High School in California, where he was a two-time state champion. Under the guidance of his father, Steve, and his cousin, Andy, who served as head coach, Varner honed his skills and earned the prestigious Junior Schalles Award in 2005 for being the top high school pinner.

Continuing his success, Varner wrestled collegiately for the Iowa State University Cyclones, where he became a four-time NCAA Division I finalist and secured two NCAA Division I championships during his junior and senior years. His collegiate career solidified his reputation as one of the top wrestlers in the nation.

After his competitive career, Varner transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant wrestling coach at Penn State from 2016 to 2021. In November 2021, he was appointed to lead the Penn State Olympic Regional Training Center, also known as the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club, further contributing to the sport he loves.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to wrestling, Varner was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2022. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of wrestlers.