South Dakota High School Wrestling Coaches Association recognizes Kevin Vellek for a much-appreciated lifetime of achievements in the sport of wrestling. Since 1999, Kevin has been instrumental in rating and record keeping of both classes of high school wrestling in the state. He was instrumental in assisting coaches during seeding meetings and standing mat side during duals with lineup suggestions of which wrestler to send out to win close duals.

Kevin was often called upon by booster clubs and teams from several high schools around the state to get team and individual wins and loss records that he has been diligently recording since he started.

Kevin used strict personal unbiased criteria to set team and individual rankings and when questioned could show exactly why he rated each wrestler specifically in that order.

His preseason ratings, team ratings and weekly individual Class A and B ratings were often sought after by newspapers, websites such as the Dakota Grappler and many wrestling fans who look forward to them every week. Sometimes on Grappler between two and three thousand viewers clicked on his ratings each week to see who he had put in this top 12.

The coaches association, wrestles, coaches and fans of South Dakota appreciate Kevin for his hall of fame career in your dedication, countless hours and passion for the high school sport of wrestling and for contributing over 25 years to the sport all of us love.