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A Veterans Category inductee into the Hall of Fame in 2013, Kleine was a two-sport standout during his days at Centralia High School.
A 1961 graduate of CHS, Kleine was a standout on the football field in his junior and senior seasons. One of the state's top running backs, Kleine was named an All-Stater following the 1960 season and he ended his playing days with the Orphans having scored 193 points, a number that ranked him fifth overall in school history upon his graduation. In one of the best games of his senior campaign, Kleine scored five touchdowns in the Orphans' 48-0 victory over previously unbeaten Benton.
In the spring of 1961, Kleine showcased his talents for the CHS track and field team, winning the long jump competition at the South Seven Conference meet.
His big senior campaign did not go unnoticed, as Kleine was recruited by the University of Illinois.
In the fall of '61, Kleine played on the
Fighting Illini freshman squad that also
included future NFL Hall of Fame linebacker
Dick Butkus.
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