This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we celebrated two barrier-breaking Black wrestlers – Lee Kemp of the University of Wisconsin and Jimmy Jackson of Oklahoma State University.
The duo made history in 1978 as the first African American wrestlers to ever capture three NCAA wrestling championships.
Trailblazers Inducted Into Wrestling Halls of Fame
Lee Kemp entered the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member back in 1990, also joining the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008.
Jimmy Jackson recently earned induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as well, being honored posthumously as a 2023 Distinguished Member after passing away in 2008.
Both wrestlers became legends in their era, showcasing exceptional talent on the mat at the highest levels of NCAA competition.
Jimmy Jackson: Gentle Giant of the Oklahoma State Cowboys
Standing 6’6″ and 350 pounds, Jimmy Jackson possessed awe-inspiring size. But behind his imposing frame, teammates describe a “Teddy Bear” personality.
Jackson compiled an incredible career record of 88-9-2 at Oklahoma State, including a perfect 29-0 campaign during his national title-winning senior season. His unique blend of overwhelming power and uncanny flexibility for a big man made him almost impossible to take down.
By winning three consecutive championships, Jimmy Jackson had cemented his place as OSU’s greatest-ever heavyweight wrestler.
Kemp & Jackson Paved the Way for Future Generations
When Lee Kemp and Jimmy Jackson both captured their third title in 1978, they broke barriers as the first Black athletes to reach such a pinnacle in the sport. In doing so, they paved the way for countless minority wrestlers to follow.
Their dominant, trailblazing careers landed both these exceptional student-athletes in their respective sport’s Hall of Fame – sealing their legacies for all time.
We celebrate these two men whose hard work, talent and perseverance created greater opportunities for diversity to thrive in wrestling.
