Bob Kuykendall

Class of 2017

Mundelein (Carmel Catholic)

Bob Kuykendall began his wrestling journey at Maine West High School in Des Plaines in 1973. After freshman football season, he was talked into taking a chance by Erv Geisler, a football and wrestling coach at the school. Bobs’ four years were guided both on and off the mat by standout varsity coach Richard Carlini.

Bob graduated from Maine West in 1977 and continued his academic and wrestling career at Knox College in Galesburg. Once again, he was fortunate enough to wrestle for another outstanding coach, Al Partin. Under Partin’s guidance, Bob continued to sharpen his skills, lettering in each of his four seasons. Bob earned his degree in English literature in 1981, with a teaching certificate in hand and a desire to give back to the sport that had given him so much.

In 1982, Bob was offered a position teaching English and coaching wrestling and baseball at Carmel High School in Mundelein. As luck would have it, Bob served as an assistant to Hall of Famer, Joe Scordino. In his 26 years as Joe’s assistant, Bob helped 25 wrestlers reach the state tournament, 5 earning all-state honors. Three of their wrestlers (Jim Brophy, Jaran Rutledge and Shane Siefert) went on to become collegiate All-Americans. In 2006, Bob was named the class AA Assistant Coach of the Year by the IWCOA.

Bob assumed head coaching responsibilities in 2009. Since that time, 17 of his wrestlers have reached the state tournament, 5 earning the podium in Champaign.

Bob is finishing his 35th year at Carmel Catholic, having taught English and coached baseball, track, and soccer in addition to wrestling during his tenure. In 2013, he was named Most Distinguished Faculty Member by his peers.

Bob currently lives in Waukegan with his wife Tammie. They enjoy spending time with their daughters Kristin and Allison, their granddaughter Morgan, and their dogs Murphy and Molly.