Upper Iowa University Athletics Hall of Fame
Kevin Ruhnke is being inducted into the Upper Iowa University Athletics Hall of Fame as an athlete. Ruhnke was a four-year letterman for the wrestling program from 1976-79 competing for both Coach Don Parker and Paul Petersen.
Ruhnke was a three-time national qualifier in NCAA Division III from 1977-79. In his final season, he earned the 158 pound Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship and a NCAA Division III All-American honor after finishing third at the NCAA Championships.
The Peacock grappler did well at numerous collegiate tournaments in his career claiming three tournament championships at Wartburg and two at UIU's tournament.
Ruhnke had an outstanding high school career at Algona High School capturing the 1975 Iowa State Championship at 145 pounds. Thanks to the 145-pound title, the Bulldogs went on to win the Class 2A Iowa State Championship that year.
Ruhnke graduated in 1980 with a bachelor's of science degree in physical education and started his career in coaching; he is now a commercial construction supervisor. He and his wife Mary, a 1982 graduate of Upper Iowa, live in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.
