LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING

·       Woodway HS: 1982-1983; 1985-1987

·       Ferndale HS: 1983-1985

·       Alderwood MS: 1985-1987

·       Lynnwood HS: 1987-2002

·       Snohomish HS: 2002-2008, 2014-2015

·       Valley View MS: 2010-2017

For more than four decades, Kevin Judkins has been a committed coach, leader, and ambassador for Washington wrestling, shaping programs, athletes, and international exchange opportunities across the state.

Judkins wrestled at Woodway High School under Hall of Fame coach Bryce Cook (NWHOF 2009), and immediately returned after graduation to begin his coaching career. He later earned his degree from Western Washington University in 1983. His first teaching and coaching position was at Ferndale High School, where he assisted Hall of Fame coach Lee Andersen (NWHOF 2007).

In 1985, Judkins earned his first head coaching position at Alderwood Middle School, and by 1989 he had already been recognized nationally, receiving the High School Assistant Coach of the Year award from Wrestling USA Magazine for his work at Lynnwood High School. The following year, he became Lynnwood’s head coach. In 2002, he moved to Snohomish High School, where he served seven seasons as head coach. Beyond wrestling, Judkins was deeply involved in student leadership and activities, earning induction into the Washington Activities Coordinators Hall of Fame in 2007.

As a head coach, Judkins compiled an impressive 226–85–1 dual meet record, coached 11 state champions and 49 state placers, and guided three High School All-Americans, including a collegiate national champion. His programs were known for discipline, consistency, and strong character development.

Judkins also made significant contributions beyond his own teams. For thirteen years, he served as the WSWCA Cultural Exchange Director, hosting teams from Japan and helping send Washington athletes to Japan, China, and Poland. He played key roles on the wrestling planning teams for the 1990 Goodwill Games and the 1999 World Team Trials in Seattle. Kevin was a fixture at major events across the state, directing invitational, district, and regional tournaments, and serving as a Mat Classic floor manager for the WIAA State Championships.

Judkins earned widespread recognition for his leadership and sportsmanship, including seven WESCO Coach of the Year awards, three Regional Coach of the Year honors, the 4A State Coach of the Year award in 2008, and the Darrell Whitmore Sportsmanship Award from the Pacific Northwest Officials Association. He was twice named Snohomish County Coaches Association Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012.

Kevin and his wife Wendy now live in Kalispell, Montana, where he tutors 3rd grade math at the local elementary.  They are the proud parents of two adult children, Kaitlyn and Joey.