Kahlig now top scorer at Fort Recovery

NEW KNOXVILLE - As Greg Kahlig got closer and closer to the Fort Recovery all-time scoring record this season, it was like a walk down Memory Lane for him and fans alike.

Past greats like Chris Bihn, Hal Schoen, Bob Fiely, Tom Bryan and Bob Leverette were passed throughout the season, and last week Kahlig passed Kevin Dilworth for second place, with just the great Ken Heiby six points away in the top spot.

"It's something special," said Kahlig after his 30-point night to raise his career total to 1,442 points. "Ever since I was little, the names Ken Heiby, Bob Leverette (currently an Indians assistant coach) and Kevin Dilworth have always been up there. They've been my idols since I was growing up. Just to be a part of that group and join them is really something awesome."

Getting to the magic number of 1,419 to break the record of 1,418 was a challenge, and the seven points to break the record needed on Friday were hard-earned as the Rangers put on a solid defense to hold Kahlig to six points in the first half, tying him with Heiby.

"They played great defense on me early and got in me a bit. Kind of threw my shot off in the first half," said Kahlig. "It was definitely hard to even get a shot off in the first half."

But once he got the record, it seemed to ignite a difference in Kahlig as he scored 15 points in the third quarter and 24 points in the second half.

"I hit that three to get the record and things lifted off my shoulders," said Kahlig. "I kind of got hot there for a little bit."

Averaging just over 26 points a game this season, the opportunity to break the record was closely watched by many in Midwest Athletic Conference play. Fort Recovery fans were hoping that Kahlig could get the 29 points needed last Friday night at home against Minster but Kahlig had 22 in the win.

The pressure to reach the milestone was there for the University of Findlay-bound senior.

"I wanted to get it last week (at Fort Site Fieldhouse) and kind of fell short there," said Kahlig. "I didn't want to think about it and tried not to think about it, but it's kind of hard. Just getting the pressure off my shoulders really meant a lot."