EMORY, Va. - Emory & Henry University Vice President of Athletics Kyle Sensabaugh is pleased to announce that Kenneth "Duke" McKean has joined the Department as Head Women's Wrestling Coach. 

A standout in the world of amateur wrestling, Duke McKean began making waves early as team captain at the prestigious St. Edward's High School in Ohio, and a qualifier of the Ohio Junior National Team. Demonstrating elite talent and dedication, he earned a 2nd-place finish at the AAU Freestyle National Tournament, showcasing the potential that would define a remarkable wrestling career.

"After a lot of communication and coordination with athletics administration staff, we felt like Duke was the right fit for the direction and growth of both programs, but especially as the dedicated women's coach," commented Head Men's Wrestling Coach Jeramiah Hampton.  "Duke and I have hit the ground running together, bouncing ideas and philosophies around the sport and life together, and he's an awesome counterpart.  The ladies have embraced him with open arms and are exponentially ahead of the curve in relation to any of the past 3 years headed into the first week of competition.  Emory & Henry and its wrestling programs are lucky to have Duke on our teams."

A 2x NAIA National Champion, Duke McKean was considered one of the Top 10 best wrestlers in the nation, selected from a pool of the Top 120 collegiate wrestlers across all divisions by USA Wrestling Magazine. That level of recognition, paired with his championship success, ultimately led to induction into the Collegiate Wrestling Hall of Fame—an honor that reflects both athletic excellence and a lasting impact on the sport. 

McKean graduated with a Bachelor's degree in history from Olivet Nazarene University and served 20 years as a Marine Infantry Officer.

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