Chris Kline joined the Otterbein Athletics staff in the fall of 2023 after emerging from a summer candidate pool, and now teams with Brent Rastetter (Director of Wrestling) to help launch women's wrestling as the 22nd intercollegiate varsity sport. The program will officially begin competition in 2024-25.
“I am truly thankful and excited for this opportunity,” Kline said. “Developing a program from the ground up will have its challenges, but I am so eager to help grow the culture and see what the future holds. There seemed to be an instant connect from the moment I met Coach Rastetter. We were automatically on the same page and I love his vision...”
A local product, Kline grew up just minutes from campus as a standout wrestler at Westerville North High School. He was a 3x state qualifier, 2x state placer and OHSAA state champion as a senior after going a perfect 43-0. Afterwards, Kline went on to wrestle and receive his bachelor’s degree (health service administration) from Ohio University in 2012.
“Westerville is truly home,” continued Kline. “I didn’t want to just become a coach, but to also do it in the right setting. Having been around this sport since I was a little kid, I really want to take all of those moments – good and bad – and input that into the overall experience of my teams. The whole development of the person is more important than just producing elite wrestlers. With the right foundation and culture, we will make Otterbein a true hub and attractive environment for the sport.”
After college, Kline began coaching as an assistant at Westerville North and then most recently served as the head coach at Hilliard Davidson High School. He now currently resides in Granville with his wife, Kallie, and their two young children – a daughter (Ellie) and son (Jaxon).
“Moments with my wife and kids are special,” added Kline, who just celebrated his five-year anniversary with Kallie. “I hope to share them with the family atmosphere at Otterbein and start meeting all kinds of new people. We look forward to becoming invested with other programs and execute together.”
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