Coach Kirk Hesse Has Announced His Retirement

After 38 years of coaching for three different wrestling programs in the metro area, Coach Kirk Hesse has announced his retirement from coaching. Over the course of his career, Hesse coached for Urbandale and the West Des Moines Valley programs before ending at North Polk.

During his extensive tenure, he guided 33 State Qualifiers and 10 State place winners. Notably, he coached State Qualifiers in all three classes at the same school.

On a team level, his achievements include leading four dual team Regional Qualifiers, with two dual team Regional Finalists, and reaching 193 dual meet wins.

Outside the wrestling room, many of his athletes have excelled, with over 10 former wrestlers now coaching at high school and college levels, and three wrestlers earning appointments to Military Academies.

Hesse played a significant role in elevating the Comet Wrestling Program, with multiple team qualifiers and remarkable success. In his final season, the Comets achieved a record seven state qualifiers in 2024, including a state runner-up medalist.

Thank you, Coach, for all you have done for our student-athletes and for leaving behind a thriving program.