University of Toledo Athletics

Steve Kerlin wrestled at The University of Toledo from 1951-1953 and also from 1958-59, following a three-year stint in the U.S Marine Corps. He was a three-time Mid-American Conference wrestling champion, but injuries kept him out of NCAA championship competition. His overall record, which includes competition in high school, college, and while in the Marines, is 169-19. Kerlin lost only one match against MAC opponents, his sole loss came against a foe from Kent State, whom he had beaten on four other occasions. He just lost five matches during his collegiate career. As an 18-year old freshman, he had an auspicious collegiate debut, losing just 2-1 in overtime to the defending Big-Ten champion at 123 pounds. In 1959, he was named the Senior Athlete Scholar of the Year by the UT Alumni Association. He was inducted into the Ohio High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1979. He was also a champion in the 123-pound weight class at the prestigious 4-1 Tournament in 1962 and runner-up in 1953. He was head coach at Toledo's Whitmer High School for nine years, producing three state champions and 23 Great Lakes League Champions. He coached future UT wrestler Greg Wojciechowski while head coach at Whitmer. Mr. Kerlin attended Bedford High School in Bedford, Ohio, where he won two states titles at the 103 and 112-pound weight classes.