KEITH ABENS WAS INDUCTED INTO THE IOWA WRESTLING HALL OF FAME recently. Pictured here (left to right) are son-in-law Lance Evans, granddaughter Hampton Evans, wife Jo Abens, son Tyler Abens, former Iowa State wrestling coach Jim Gibbons, grandson Wesley Evans, daughter Tracy Evans and grandson Jayce Abens. Keith Abens, a three-time state wrestling champion at Humboldt and former coach and long-time resident of Webster City, died in 2023. (Submitted photo)

CRESCO — Keith Abens was larger than life on a wrestling mat, but that legacy pales in comparison to his accomplishments away from the sport he loved.

Abens, who passed away suddenly in November of 2023 at the age of 72, was honored posthumously by the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame last month as part of this year’s induction class.

Abens was born in Fort Dodge, a three-time high school state champion at Humboldt, an All-American at Iowa State University, and a long-time resident of Webster City. His decorated wrestling career was followed by a coaching stint with the Lynx.

Abens then started a successful real estate business in Webster City, which he owned and operated for nearly 44 years. He retired and handed the reins to his son, Tyler, in 2017.

Abens switched from basketball to wrestling before his sophomore year at Humboldt, and under the direction of head coach Joe Fitch, became the school’s first-ever state champion later that year in 1967. He also won titles for the Wildcats in 1968 and ’69.

Competing for legendary head coach Harold Nichols at Iowa State, Abens was an NCAA national runner-up in 1972 and a fourth-place finisher in 1973. He captured a Big 8 championship and was named the conference’s most outstanding wrestler in ’73 as well.

Abens briefly coached and taught in Mason City before moving to Webster City in 1974, where he was the head wrestling coach and an instructor at the high school for four years. Even after switching careers and becoming a real estate agent in the community, Abens often helped with the Lynx mat program.

Abens was actively involved in a number of service groups and organizations in and around Webster City, including Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Realtors and Trinity Lutheran Church. He was also influential on the regional music scene.

Abens was inducted into the Humboldt Hall of Fame in 2023.

Abens “is remembered not just for his wrestling achievements, but for his lasting impact on the community, his tireless efforts to support others, and his devotion to his family,” the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame said in a statement. “His contributions to the sport of wrestling and his role as a mentor to countless athletes are a testament to his character and love for the sport. Keith Abens will always be celebrated as a true champion in Iowa’s wrestling history.”

Abens was joined in the 2025 Hall of Fame class by Keith Massey, Bob Hallman, Perry Hummel and Brad Smith. Former Cyclone coach Jim Gibbons presented the award, and Abens’s wife of 53 years, Jo, also spoke as part of the ceremony.

An annual “Keith Abens Memorial” golf tournament is now held annually at Emerald Hills Club in Arnolds Park, benefiting the Cardinal and Gold Collective at Iowa State. This year’s tournament is May 30.