JaVonte Ashford was a member of the first men's wrestling team that King fielded, later becoming a four-time NAIA national qualifier. In 2008, he became the program's first-ever NAIA All-American after a fifth-place finish at the NAIA National Championships. He is prominently featured in the program's record book, sitting tied for first for single season wins (30), second in all-time tech falls (14), second in single season tech falls and third in career wins with 75. After graduating, he earned a master's degree in education from McKendree University before earning his doctorate in Global Sports Leadership from East Tennessee State University in 2023.