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Scott Kluever to Join the Prestigious George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame

By Gabby Lord-Klein, 10/31/24, 8:00PM CDT

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We are excited to share news that WWF State Coach Coordinator Scott Kluever will be inducted into the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame! Kluever is one of seven inductees in 2024 and will be recognized during the 48th induction ceremony alongside Bob Johnson (Milton), Dan Niebuhr (Madison), Chuck Rasmussen (Lancaster), Steve Rogers (Oostburg), Steve Skarda (Coleman), and Brian Slater (New Lisbon).

This event ceremony will take place in conjunction with the WWCA Fall Clinic and Awards Banquet on Friday, November 8th in Wisconsin Dells. Help us extend a congratulations to Kluever on this well-deserved recognition!

 

Bio for the induction ceremony prepared by the George Martin HOF: 

Scott Kluever is the youngest of three sons of Bob and Mary Kluever. His brother Jeff joined the wrestling team in Watertown when Coach Mike Breitzman talked him into giving it a try. From that point forward Scott was hooked on the sport. Scott attended Middle School in Neenah and moved to Kaukauna where he graduated in 1985.

As an athlete in High School, Scott was a three time all conference wrestler and one time state qualifier. He was the 1985 Fox Valley Association Wrestler of the Year. He was also very involved in the International styles of wrestling and represented Wisconsin for three years at the Junior National Championships. He was blessed to be coached by Don Kilgas and two very dedicated assistants Steve McDaniel and Dick Bentley. Those assistants were true father figures in Scott’s life. After High School, Scott attended UW Superior. He wrestled for two years and ran track for one year.

Scott got his first coaching opportunity when Keith Swett asked him to be on staff for the Junior Greco National Team in 1986. In 1990-1992 Scott was an assistant coach at Kaukauna High School. He then moved to DC Everest to assist his friend Eric Lehrke from 1993-1995. Knowing there is no place like home Scott and his family moved back to Kaukauna in 2000. During this transition he had a vision for starting a national level high school invitational to showcase our Wisconsin talent to the rest of the country- he called it the Cheesehead. It began in 1999 and has prospered throughout the years into its current status as one of the most competitive tournaments in the country. He became the Middle School Coach in 2000 and retired from that position in 2022. During his time as Head Coach for the Middle School Scott had some invaluable assistants including Jeff Kluever, Brad Sanderfoot, Brian Diener and Matt Wallace. They understood their job was to teach kids to love the sport first and by doing this they would become the best version of themselves. Being a Middle School coach was a fulfilling experience and Scott will always be extremely thankful to HOF coaches Jeff Matczak and Steve McDaniel for the opportunity!

The Wisconsin Wrestling Federation has always felt like home to Scott! His first experience with the organization started in 1982 as an athlete on the Junior Greco Team. As the only wrestler from a budding High School program, the WWF coaches took Scott under their wings and made him feel welcome. After his competitive years, Scott knew he wanted to become involved with the WWF and he did so as an official and a coach. Scott has held multiple positions within the organization including coach, District Representative, Cadet Director and currently State Coach Coordinator. Since his start as State Coach Coordinator in 2012 Scott has been honored to work with several passionate coaches as well as an extremely dedicated Board of Directors! Scott would like to thank Dave Black and Todd Schaaf for their wisdom and mentorship throughout the years. It took all those people to accomplish a first for the WWF in 2024 as the Junior Freestyle Team won the Junior Freestyle Dual National Championship.

Serving USA Wrestling has been a great honor for Scott! He served USA Wrestling as a Folkstyle Committee member, Vice Chair of the Junior Council, Chair of the Junior Council, Junior Olympic Wrestling Committee and Board of Directors. In 2024 Scott was USA Wrestling’s Junior Person of the Year.

Scott currently resides in Kaukauna with his wife of 24 years, Jenni. They have four children Alex, Zach, Keaton and Karleigh. His family means the world to him, and they have been extremely supportive throughout his career!

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The Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, guided by USA Wrestling, provides quality opportunities for its members to achieve their full human and athletic potential. Wisconsin Wrestling Federation will strive to be USA Wrestling’s best state organization