McKendree University Athletics

An outstanding scholar-athlete, Rick “Kling” Klingelhoefer, played two years of varsity basketball for McKendree College. Described as “lightening quick” and as an “excellent shooter” in newspaper articles, Rick was known for his enthusiastic and aggressive play on the hardwood. During his senior year he was elected captain by his teammates, selected the team’s Most Valuable Player, received the Vesely Scholarship and Nate Clay Award, and was the top vote-getter on the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics District 20 All-District Team. After his college career ended he was one of five St. Louis area players invited to the International Basketball Service tryouts at West Virginia’s Marshall University, where he competed for an opportunity to play professional basketball in Europe.

A member of the Bearcat 1000 Point Club, “Kling” followed a different route to membership in this exclusive group. A guard who played only two years at McKendree, he had to average more than 16 points per game to achieve the honor. For the record, he finished his senior season with a 21 point per game average and 630 total points on 49% field goal and 77% free throw shooting. He reached the 30 point plateau in four games. In addition to his scoring prowess, he was considered “another coach on the floor” because of his leadership, his knowledge of the game and his intense play on both ends of the floor.

Klingelhoefer began working as an intern in the computer department at Artex International during his senior year, joined the company after graduation, and later became Vice President of Information Systems for the Highland, Illinois based firm.