March 3rd 2025.
It was a momentous day for Morgan State University when they announced former Olympic gold medalist Kenny Monday as their new men's wrestling coach nearly three years ago. And the results have been nothing short of promising.
According to a report by WBAL TV, Monday made history as the first Black wrestler to win a gold medal at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. He then went on to win a silver medal four years later in Barcelona. With such an impressive resume, it was a no-brainer for Morgan State to offer Monday the coaching position when they decided to revive their wrestling program.
When asked about his initial thoughts on the offer, Monday shared, "I wasn't sure if I was ready to take on a head coaching position at the D1 level. But after doing some soul searching and praying about it, I realized that it was a perfect opportunity for me to make a bigger impact on the program and to inspire young athletes to compete." It was a decision that Monday believes was meant to be.
Under Monday's leadership and guidance, Morgan State's wrestling team has seen remarkable growth. In his first year as coach, they recorded two wins, and in just one more year, they have already achieved five victories. Monday credits some of his inspiration to former NFL player Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders, who has made waves as a college coach at Jackson State University and now the University of Colorado Boulder.
"Seeing the success that Deion has brought to HBCUs and the world, I can't help but draw from that," Monday shared. "I've had the chance to meet him a few times, and his story is truly inspiring. He's a winner, and that's something I can relate to. As a world champion myself, I understand the drive and determination it takes to succeed. And being able to share my knowledge and experience with young African American athletes is truly impactful."
Morgan State University has been facing a crisis of declining Black male enrollment, but with initiatives like the new task force dedicated to tackling this issue, there is hope for positive change. And with Monday at the helm of the wrestling program, there is no doubt that he will continue to inspire and uplift his team both on and off the mat.
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