Received varsity letters in football and wrestling

Participated in wrestling at Northwestern University

Was a national champion during his college career

Art Kraft is a STHS graduate of the class of 1952. While attending Sterling Township High School, Art earned varsity letters in wrestling and football.

Upon graduation in 1952, he continued his education and wrestling career at Northwestern University. A member of the wrestling team, he became the national champion his senior year.

Receiving collegiate commencement, Art accepted a coaching and teaching position at Triton Junior College. While there, his teams won the National Jr. College Wrestling Championships at least three times and Art was named the "Coach of the Year" several times by the National College Coaches Association. In addition, he was elected to the Illinois Hall of Fame and the United States Hall of Fame for wrestling. In 1982, Art and his brother Ken '53 were selected as the Grand Marshals at the IHSA State Tournament. Throughout his tenure, he helped some 40 wrestlers earn All-American Honors.

In the spring of 1985, Art left his coaching position at Triton after a long fought battle with cancer. He passed away shortly after his resignation in November of 1985. Mr. Kraft will be long remembered by everyone associated with wrestling as a man intimately involved in the sport.