Joe Klune Is recognized for his years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling. Coached High School Wrestling 29 Years - Officiated College and High School Wrestling 33 Years - Overall Coaching Record is 259-60-2. Joseph R. Klune began his coaching career in 1947, while a student at College High Training School in Greeley. As a Marine Corps Reserve Officer he was recalled to service in 1948, and coached the Marine Wrestling and Boxing teams. But, it was in 1952 when he returned to the Denver Public School system, that he began a 29 year high school coaching career. His wrestling teams won nine City Wrestling Championships. In 1964, his team placed 2nd in the state tournament. Many of his wrestlers went on to become NCAA All Americans. Six of his former wrestlers are presently coaching high school wrestling and three are now college coaches, Klune also officiated high school and college wrestling for 33 years. He hosted four Japan versus Colorado exchange matches, and in 1968, took a Colorado High School All-Star Wrestling Team to Japan. He was previously inducted into the University of Northern Colorado, the Colorado Football Officials Association, the Colorado Wrestling Officials Association, the CHSCA Coaches, and the Denver Public Schools coaches Hall of Fame. In 1982, he was selected as the District 6 Coach of the Year. Coach Klune has served as a role model to young people throughout his career and he has given a lifetime of service to the youth of America through the sport of wrestling.