COACHING STAFF
Jake Hill | Head Boys Coach
Coach Hill is entering his 12th season as Head Boys Wrestling Coach at Kearney High School and his 20th year coaching overall. Under his leadership, the Kearney program has consistently ranked among the state’s best, finishing in the top 10 at the state tournament every season, highlighted by a team state championship and seven team trophies.
Coach Hill has earned multiple District Coach of the Year honors and was named Missouri Wrestling Association Class 3 State Coach of the Year. His staff has also been recognized with both District and State Staff of the Year awards, reflecting the strength and consistency of the program.
A native of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Coach Hill was a three-sport athlete at Lee’s Summit High School, competing in wrestling, football, and baseball. A four-year varsity wrestler, he earned First Team All-District, All-Conference, and All-Area honors as a senior, along with Academic All-State recognition. He concluded his high school career with a third-place finish at the Class 4 State Championships at 160 pounds.
Coach Hill began his collegiate wrestling career at Missouri Baptist University before transferring to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. He later completed a Master of Arts in Teaching from Missouri Baptist University and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from William Woods University.
In addition to coaching, Coach Hill teaches Business and Technology courses at Kearney High School. He resides in Kearney with his wife, Jacque, and their five children: Ryker, Reese, Beau, Annie, and Baker.
Nick Ward | Head Girls Coach
Coach Ward is entering his 7th season as the Head Girls Wrestling Coach at Kearney High School and has coached wrestling for over 20 years. Since the launch of the girls program, Kearney has quickly become one of the premier programs in Missouri and the Midwest, winning four consecutive Missouri Class 1 State Championships from 2023–2026.
Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have earned numerous conference and district championships, national rankings, and top finishes at some of the nation’s toughest events.
Coach Ward has been recognized multiple times as District Coach of the Year and Missouri Wrestling Association Class 1 State Coach of the Year. His coaching staff has also earned both District and State Staff of the Year honors. In addition to team success, the program has produced multiple individual state champions, Fargo All-Americans, and nationally ranked wrestlers.
Originally from Marceline, Coach Ward competed in wrestling, football, and track and field throughout high school, then continued his education and pursued a career in teaching and coaching. He earned degrees in education, administration, and positive psychology, and has spent his career focused on building culture, leadership, and long-term athlete development.
In addition to coaching, Coach Ward serves as a social studies teacher, department chair, and assistant athletic director at Kearney High School.