Bert Kraus took control of the Lyons wrestling program in 1956 following the retirement of the legendary Max Armer.

Over the next 15 seasons, the Kraus-led Lions became a force to be reckoned with in the prestigious West Suburban Conference and the state. In an era where a dozen or so dual meets per season was the norm, Lyons averaged more than 10 dual-meet wins each season. Kraus's teams won 159 dual meets, seven conference titles and four Illinois High School Association district titles. He led his team to a fifth-place finish at the 1963 state tournament following a sixth-place finish in 1962. Kraus had 26 wrestlers qualify for the IHSA state tournament and two won state title while nine others were state place-winners.

As is the case with Hall of Fame caliber individuals, Kraus's contributions to wrestling exceeded his efforts matside.

In the early 1960s, Kraus was persuaded to join Northwestern University alumni Dick Coldren and Ken Kraft and Jack Heiner as they worked to create a collegiate tournament in the Midwest during the winter break. Their efforts became the Mid-American Wrestling Tournament, which is better known today as the Ken Kraft Midlands Championships and regarded as perhaps the most prestigious open tournament in the country.

After the Midlands outgrew the YMCA in LaGrange, Illinois, Kraus offered to host the tournament at Lyons Township High School, its home for the next seven years. Even after he was not actively involved in running the tournament, Kraus remained close to the Midlands organization and was a resource for tournament directors and personnel.

Kraus was also a licensed mat official who worked at all levels. He officiated the 1978 NCAA Division III Championships and the 1979 NCAA Division I regional tournament before being chosen to work at the 1982 NCAA Division I Championships.

A pioneer of Illinois wrestling, Kraus was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame in 1976 and served as the Grand Marshall for the IHSA state tournament in 1997.