Besides strength, stamina, and strategy, it has been a supportive family that has made a difference in Corey Kline’s athletic career. Sports and family have been a key part of Corey’s life from an early age. Corey’s first wrestling match was at the tender age of four, coached by his father Tim Kline. Together, Corey and his mentor and coach never looked back.
Corey racked up an impressive collection of championships during his career, among them were three consecutive AAU/USA Ohio Freestyle Championships (1987, 1988, and 1989). After that impressive run, Corey was selected to the Ohio All-Star Team in 1990. Traveling with the team, Corey represented Ohio in matches across the United States.
After finishing his Junior High career at Mapleton, without ever posting a defeat, Corey moved to high school with a familiar partner, his father, Tim as head coach. Corey immediately began making an impact. As a sophomore he placed second at the Ohio State Tournament, losing the championship match by a single point. He then went on to be the schools’ first two time State Champion by winning it his junior and senior year, pinning and tech falling to the finals his senior year. He was voted MVP for the Mounties three consecutive years, was a three time Ashland Times Gazette Wrestler of the Year (becoming the only area wrestler to accomplish this feat in 1993, 1994, and 1995), was a four time Firelands Conference Champion (only three have done this in FC history), and was also named to the National High School All-American Team as honorable mention.
Corey is best known for his wrestling accomplishments; however, opponents found that Corey was also a solid competitor in a variety of other events. He earned 12 varsity letters during a busy high school career: (4) Wrestling, (4) Track, and (4) Soccer. Impressively, Corey was a three time state qualifier in pole vault and still holds the school record at 13’ 6 ½ “. Corey excelled in soccer as well, where he was best known for his “Fly thrown in” that helped him earn Most Valley Offensive Player (1994 and 1995).
Corey was a member of the National Honor Society while at Mapleton where he graduated in 1995. Because of his academic and athletic accomplishments he was widely recruited by universities across the country. Corey’s desire to stay close to his family and fan base led him to Ashland University.
Corey exceeded expectations by having the most successful freshman campaign in AU history. He was NCAA Div II National Champion at 134 lbs. Setting the most wins in a season record 36 wins. Corey was voted MVP at the National Dual Tournament; he was also named to the Amateur Wrestling News, first team, All-Freshman Dream team (only non-division I athlete on that team). Hopes for a repeat his sophomore year were dampened by an injury. A cracked sternum in double overtime of the semi-finals at nationals found him defaulting into sixth place, still an All-American. His junior year found with a string of injuries still finishing in seventh place, again an All-American. In order to repair damage to his shoulder, surgery was necessary and Corey red-shirted during his senior academic year. With one year of eligibility remaining, Corey came back strong posting a third place national finish and gaining Ashland University’s second four-time All-American status. To date, he still holds the career wins record at Ashland University with 128 victories. Corey earned four team MVP awards as an Eagle. He appeared on the cover of Amateur Wrestling News Magazine (Feb. 1998). While at AU Corey was name to the Dean’s list, was active in the Adopt-A-Student and the Eagle Mentor programs.
Corey graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a minor in mathematics. After teaching and coaching for a year in Atlanta, Corey moved back to the area, where he lives with his wife Heather. Corey and Heather are expecting their first child in November 2202. Corey teaches seventh and eighth grade math at Black River Schools where he is head wrestling coach and pole vault coach.
Corey us the son of Tim and Dorine Kline of Nova, and has a sister, Ericka and a brother, Casey. Corey credits his family, teammates, and fans for his success. A special thanks to his Uncle Sam Kline for his years of undying support. Corey still enjoys sports, but on a different level. He can be seen coaching wrestlers, playing softball and golf.
Nominator: Sam Kline
