AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University announced today that it has extended the contract of wrestling coach Kevin Jackson, the former Cyclone All-American and Olympic Gold Medalist, through 2015.

“The progress that our young team made this year is exciting and very promising for the future,” Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “We look forward to continuing to assist Kevin and his staff in building a nationally competitive program that our fans and the institution expect.”

The Cyclones more than doubled their dual win total from 2012, rejoined the national rankings and placed second at last week’s Big 12 Championship, good for the school’s best conference finish in four years. Iowa State qualified six wrestlers automatically, and could qualify several more this week, for the 2013 NCAA Championships it will host March 21-23 in Des Moines.

Iowa State’s starting lineup this year included two seniors, one junior, four sophomores and three freshmen. Four of the underclassmen are nationally ranked.

“Kevin’s student-athletes have performed well in the classroom, been outstanding ambassadors for our athletics program and really enjoy wrestling for Kevin and his staff,” Pollard said.

In four years leading the Cyclones, Jackson has tutored three NCAA champions (Jake Varner, David Zabriskie and Jon Reader). Varner then went on to win an Olympic Gold medal last summer in London.