Kendall Cross to be Part of Inaugural Mustang High School Hall of Fame Class

Former Cowboy Wrestler and Olympic Gold Medalist Kendall Cross is set to be inducted into the inaugural Mustang Hall of Fame class on August 25, 2018.

From the Mustang High School press release

Kendall was a high school state champion in 1985, a college National Champion in 1989 and a three time All American at Oklahoma State University. Remarkably, Kendall was an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1996. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002. Kendall graduated from Mustang High School in 1986.

Kendall was a beast. One of the all time greats at Oklahoma State, but his run to and through the Olympics was somewhat unexpected. World Champion Terry Brands, a two-time NCAA champion out of Iowa, was in his way. Cross took him out. This is from the Chicago Tribune after the trials for the 1996 Olympic team.

Cross’ confrontation with Terry Brands at 125.5 was the most dramatic of the trials.

Brands, the evil twin of the eminently dislikable brothers from Iowa City, was an easy 7-2 winner in the opening match. But Cross rallied from two deficits to win the second 7-6 on a two-point exposure with a minute left and then held on to take the third 8-7.

“If I can beat him, I can beat anybody,” said Cross, of Raleigh, N.C., about his Olympic medal chances. He had finished sixth in 1992. [Chicago Tribune]

Here’s their final match.

Kendall then went on to win an Olympic Gold Medal at 57 KG at the 1996 games.

Kendall is now the head coach at the New York City RTC in New York City, New York.