Former Ashland University wrestler Corey Kline is one of six members in the 2014 NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame induction class.
Kline will be inducted on Thursday, Mar. 13, on the eve of the NCAA Division II national championships in Cleveland. The induction ceremony will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 420 Superior Avenue East in Cleveland, at 6 p.m. The NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame ceremony will be held in conjunction with a reception for coaches and dignitaries the night before the start of the 52nd Annual NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. AU and the Cleveland Sports Commission are the official hosts for this year's national championship meet.
Tickets for the reception can be reserved at a cost of $30 apiece by emailing Jason Valek, head wrestling coach at Newberry College, at Jason.valek@newberry.edu, no later than Monday, Mar. 10.
Joining Kline in this year's induction class are Gannon head coach Don Henry (1984-present), Wade Schalles, wrestler, Clarion (1971-74), Carlton Haselrig, wrestler, Pitt-Johnstown (1985-89), Jody Strittmatter, wrestler, Pitt-Johnstown (1995-99) and John Strittmatter, wrestler, Pitt-Johnstown (1995-99).
This year's inductees will join the 102 inductees from the first 17 induction classes.
Kline wrestled at AU from 1995-99. He is one of four wrestlers in school history to win a national championship and he is the last one to make that journey. Kline won the national title at 134 pounds in 1996.
Kline was a four-time All-American, one of two in school history. He also finished sixth, seventh and third at nationals. He ended his career with a record of 127-20 (.864). Kline is AU's career leader in wins. During his national championship season he won 36 matches, which ties him for the third highest single season total in school history. Kline won 33 matches during the 1996-97 season.
Kline was named the most valuable wrestler at the 1997 National Duals. He is also a member of the AU Dream Team.
While wrestling at nearby Mapleton (Ohio) High School, Kline was a two-time state champion. He is originally from Nova, Ohio.
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