<i>Wayne and Susan Kreklow</i><i>Wayne and Susan Kreklow</i>
Volleyball

Cougar Volleyball Inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

Feb. 10, 2012

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou volleyball head coach Wayne Kreklow and director of volleyball Susan Kreklow received a very high honor as their former program, Columbia College Volleyball, was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in December. Columbia College Cougar Volleyball is the first volleyball program to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

The program was started in 1983 and saw unparalleled success under the direction for the Kreklows from 1990-1999. During the Kreklow era the team won nine straight conference tournament titles and appeared in six NAIA National Tournaments, winning the crown in 1998 and 1999. Both championship teams had perfect 45-0 and 40-0 records, respectively.

"This is a great honor for Susan and me," Wayne Kreklow said. "Being part of an athletic program that is being inducted into a prestigious organization like the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, alongside so many truly great coaches and athletes, is really special. We have been very fortunate to have had so many great players and wonderful people involved in the Columbia College volleyball program over the years. Columbia College is truly a special place and we expect this type of success to continue there for years to come."

The Kreklow's were named NAIA Coaches of the Year in 1998 and 1999 and coached two NAIA/AVCA National Players of the Year in Yang Zhe (1997 & 1998) and Deng Yang (1999), boasting a 456-86 (.841) in their 10 seasons.

"Susan and I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to everyone at Columbia College for providing us the opportunity to achieve at this level, especially Bob Burchard and Dr. Donald Ruthenburg, who gave us our first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level and the support that Dr. Terry Smith and Dr. Gerald Brouder provided in later years. It was their vision, trust and support that laid the groundwork for all of the successes that came later in the volleyball program. The experiences and lessons learned while at Columbia College helped shape our coaching philosophy and have had a tremendous impact on our success here at the University of Missouri. We could not be more proud of this honor for all involved in the Columbia College community!"

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