KAUKAUNA — One of the most impactful figures in Kaukauna High School wrestling will be honored at the upcoming Kaukauna Wrestling Alumni Night: A Celebration of Coach Steve McDaniel.
Organizers are hoping to have representatives from every graduating class in attendance to celebrate McDaniel’s 50 years of coaching at Kaukauna High School.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at Kaukauna High School
Match Schedule:
Neenah: 5 p.m.
Kimberly: 6 p.m.
Fond du Lac: 8 p.m.
Following the matches, there will be a social hour where we can all connect, reminisce, and celebrate McDaniel’s remarkable career.
Currently an assistant coach for the Grappling Ghosts, McDaniel has been inducted into the Kaukauna High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Among his 50 years with Kaukauna wrestling, he served co-head coach of the Kaukauna High School varsity team with Jeff Matczak from 1992-2001.
During those nine years, Kaukauna won 28 tournaments, four conference titles, and were State Team runner up in 2000.
His co-head coaching record was 124-19-2, including 5 FVA Coach of the Year awards and 4 trips to Team State.
With McDaniel on the coaching staff, Kaukauna has had a record of 458-117-4, ten team state appearances, 11 individual state champions, 52 state place winners, 120 state qualifiers and 118 Fox Valley Association conference champions.
