Air Force Academy

Feb. 10, 2003

The late Karl Kitt, USAFA wrestling coach for 18 years (1957-1975), will be inducted into the 2003 Class of the Colorado Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Sunday, Apr. 27, 2003. The ceremonies will be conducted at the Officers Club on the US Air Force Academy.

Kitt's wrestlers earned seven All-American honors and numerous Mountain Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (MIWA), West Region and numerous other tournament Championships. He compiled an overall record of 113-79-2 (.587 percent) during his career.

Kitt served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and after the War became an assistant wrestling coach and instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy. In 1957, Kitt was hired as the head wrestling coach and physical education instructor in the athletic department at the Air Force Academy. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an instructor and coach and served on many wrestling committees including the US Olympic Wrestling Committee, the NCAA Wrestling Committee, and the National Wrestling Coaches Association Board of Directors. Most importantly, he touched many cadet student-athlete's lives who went on to become great USAF officers and leaders as well as successful wrestlers.

"Kitt had an outstanding career at the Academy," current head coach Wayne Baughman said. "We are hoping that as many of coach Kitt's former wrestlers as possible can make it back to attend these prestigious ceremonies in his honor."

The Annual Awards Banquet, which in addition to the Hall of Fame Inductions, will also recognize the Colorado Collegiate Wrestler of The Year, The Colorado High School Wrestler of the Year, The Colorado Collegiate Coach of The Year and Colorado High School Coach of The Year.

For information or additional details, please e-mail or call Baughman (Richard.Baughman@usafa.af.mil, 719-333-2811) or contact the Chairman of the Colorado Chapter of The National Wrestling Hall of Fame at e-mail daviddg@att.net for additional details.