Lincoln College names Klemm as new athletic director

[July 16, 2008]  Lincoln College has named Dave Klemm as athletic director. He has served as the interim athletic director since October 2007.

Klemm, a native of Lincoln and a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, joined Lincoln College in 1991 as head wrestling coach and physical education instructor. His career record at Lincoln is 115-86-1 and his teams have finished in the top six a total of four times. Since coming to Lincoln College, he has produced 101 national qualifiers, 35 all-Americans and five national champs.

In 2003, he was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted into Eastern Illinois University Hall of Fame and the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame.

He competed in the World Championships in 1979. He is one of only seven Americans to beat Olympic gold medalist Bruce Baumgartner and the only one to beat both Baumgartner and Olympic gold medalist Jeff Blatnick.

Lincoln College President John Hutchinson says he is happy to see a person with Klemm's ability accept the position. "Dave Klemm has been a very important part of the Lincoln College athletic program for many years. I have been extremely pleased with his work as interim athletic director, and I know he is up to the challenge of leading our athletic program to new levels. Dave is well-qualified, well-connected and well-liked. I have every confidence in his ability," Hutchinson said.

Klemm lives with his wife, Linda, and their two children, Sara and Evan, in Decatur.

[Text from file received from Lincoln College]