Central Michigan University Athletics
Kleinfelter to join Findlay Hall of Fame
9/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Sept. 24, 2004
Central Michigan University women's basketball coach Eileen Kleinfelter will be inducted into the University of Findlay Athletic Hall of Fame this weekend.
The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25, on Findlay's campus.
"I consider my selection as a Hall of Fame inductee at The University of Findlay a humbling honor," said Kleinfelter. "It is even more special coming from my alma mater. While I am very appreciative of this recognition, I am quickly reminded that a coach's success is the direct result of their team, staff and administration.
"I will be forever grateful to the players and my assistant coaches during my tenure at Findlay. Their relentless effort, teamwork and passion for the game made them winners both on and off the court. We experienced some very exciting and joyful moments which will be remembered and cherished for a lifetime.
"These memories also include my wonderful family and special friends for their unconditional support throughout it all. I offer my sincere thanks to them and hope that they enjoyed the ride as much as I did. Lastly and most importantly, let it be known that God has been, and will forever be, my 'Rock' in all that I do. To Him I give all honor and thanks hoping to make another Hall of Fame one day."
Kleinfelter graduated from Findlay College in 1979 following a three-sport career in basketball, softball and tennis. She would spend the next several years holding different assistant jobs at the Division I level and the head coaching job at IPFW. She returned to Findlay in 1994 to lead the women's basketball team.
In 1994, the Oilers finished 32-2, which stands among UF's best seasons ever. She went on to post a career mark of 172 wins and 46 losses during her seven-year stint as head coach at Findlay. During that time, she led the Lady Oilers to five NAIA national tournaments, including two NAIA final fours in 1998 and 2000.
In addition, she won three Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference South championships after UF made the leap to National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II status. During her time, she recorded six 20-win seasons, coached 12 NAIA National Scholar-Athletes and was named the GLIAC "Coach of the Year" in 2000. She remains the wins leader as a women's basketball coach at UF.
Kleinfelter left Findlay for CMU in 2001 and has led the Chippewas ever since.
