For every Greg Randall, there is Mitch Kelly. For every Spencer Lee, there is Joe Kelly.

The common thread to Iowa’s perennial success in wrestling has been depth in its practice room, a depth bolstered by hard-working, hard-nosed walk-ons who made the most of whatever chance they received.

The Hawkeyes celebrated their seniors on Feb. 19 with a 28-7 victory over Oklahoma State inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Like they have done so many times in their careers, Lee, Max Murin, and Jacob Warner left the mat with their hands raised. After their 15th dual win of the season, the Hawkeyes honored their departing seniors; one was Joe Kelly of nearby West Liberty, Iowa.

“I can talk all day long about Joe Kelly and how he has helped our program, grown up, and become a man,” Iowa head coach Tom Brands said. “[Our non-starters] don’t get enough recognition, but the biggest thing you can say about them is that they are valuable and they have made a difference in this program in a positive way.” 

Kelly is a Hawkeye legacy. His father, Mitch, hitchhiked to campus from Dubuque, Iowa, in the 1980s, walked onto a Dan Gable-coached squad, and finished his career subbing for All-American Randall. Mitch Kelly used two five-point throws to defeat Iowa State’s Michael Carr, 15-11, in a dual won by Iowa, 18-15. 

“I grew up watching my dad where he got the win against Iowa State in an electric match,” Kelly said. “It always inspired me in my wrestling career.” 

In high school, the younger Kelly was a versatile and successful athlete in football, wrestling, track and field, and soccer. On the mat, he was a four-time state placewinner with finishes of eighth, second, third, and third. Kelly toyed with the idea of competing at a smaller school where he undoubtedly would have seen more mat time and enjoyed more success. But the magnetic family lure of the University of Iowa was too strong. His parents met on the first day of classes, all his siblings attended Iowa (one sister played volleyball), and two cousins were members of the Hawkeye men’s basketball team. 

“For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be part of this program,” Kelly said. “I wanted to strive to be the best I could be, and Iowa wrestling is the best program in the nation. Why wouldn’t I want to wrestle the best guys every day?” 

Few wrestlers have a direct and easy path to a starting lineup, especially at Iowa. Kelly’s was made exponentially more difficult when, prior to his second season, he had double knee surgery. Kelly spent his entire third year working to regain leg strength. After that, many might reconsider life in athletics, but once again, lessons from Tom Brands and associate head coach Terry Brands, resonated in Kelly’s mind.

“They instill a mentality for everyone in the program to be a tough person, be resilient, and overcome adversity,” Kelly said. “I did my best to get my strength back and get back on the mat.”

There were collegiate wrestling milestones for Kelly, who has already earned a degree in computer science and is pursuing a certificate in entrepreneurial management. On Jan. 31, 2021, he bumped up to 165, filled in for four-time Big Ten champion Alex Marinelli, and competed against Illinois inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Because of COVID-19 protocol, there were few fans in the stands. Iowa won the dual, but Kelly dropped a 10-6 decision to Luke Odom. 

“I’m happy to say I got to wrestle in Carver,” Kelly said.

The highlight of his final regular season was being in the starting dual lineup in November at the Arm Bar at the Armory in Albany, New York. He competed up two weight classes at 174, where Kelly split two matches, winning by 17-7 major decision over Ryan Bolletino of Sacred Heart.

Kelly’s experience as a member of the Iowa wrestling program transcends wins and losses. He is especially proud of the lifelong friendships he has made. 

“They are all my brothers and they all have my back, so it’s a cool thing to be part of,” Kelly said.

You won’t see Kelly in the lineup when Iowa travels to Ann Arbor, Michigan, in March for the Big Ten Championships. He won’t set foot on a mat at the NCAA Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma. But the effect he has had on his Hawkeye training partners might be enough to allow them — his forever brothers — to prevail in a tough postseason situation.

For Kelly, that’s dividend enough for five tough and enjoyable years as an Iowa Hawkeye.