 Klemm, the Lincoln College athletic director, says he was delighted
to hear the news. "He's very deserving of this award and should be
proud of what he's accomplished in his wrestling and professional
careers," said Klemm, acknowledging that he will attend the ceremony
on Saturday.Hughes, a graduate of Hillsboro High School, was a
four-time state qualifier and won state titles his junior and senior
year.
His college career started at Belleville Area Community College,
where he placed fifth in the nation. After Belleville dropped its
wrestling program, Matt and his twin brother, Mark, transferred to
Lincoln College, where he placed third in the nation, finishing with
a 33-3 record for the Lynx.
After earning a degree from Lincoln College, Matt continued his
career at Eastern Illinois University, where he was a two-time NCAA
Division I all-American, placing eighth in 1996 and fifth in 1997 at
158 pounds.
Hughes' love for competition took him to the sport of mixed
martial arts fighting. In 2001, he won the world welterweight title
in the Ultimate Fighting Championships and has been featured often
on national television for his UFC exploits. He successfully
defended his title eight times, which is more than any other fighter
in the sport.
He and his wife, Audra, currently live in Hillsboro with their
two children.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln College] |
|
Former
LC wrestler Matt Hughes honored by Eastern Illinois University
