by Sara Levin/USA Wrestling     On June 30, Ken Kraft's official career at Northwestern University came to a close.  Ken is retiring after 51 years at the renowned Midwest university. Since he was  18 years old, the "Old Wildcat" as he loves to announce himself on the phone, has donned the royal purple. Whether he was competing, coaching or directing, Ken strived to make a difference in the lives of people. It was never about prestige or glory, he simply did.  I attended the "Old Wildcat's" wrestling retirement celebration and found that my story was no a fluke.       I met Ken when he came down to help Indiana University run the 1995 Big Ten Championships.  I was a sophomore and the team manager. Head Coach, Duane Goldman had enough insight to bring in a professional to help us run an outstanding event. It was my first big event and Ken allowed me to do most of the work as he oversaw the product. Apparently, he took a liking to me and liked how I worked.      Later that year, I volunteered at the World Freestyle Championships in Atlanta, Ga.  In the stands, Ken introduced me to Lee Roy Smith by saying, "This is Sara Levin, I worked for her at the Big Ten Championships." What a compliment!    That put into motion the chain of events that would eventual land me at USA Wrestling.  Lee Roy hired me to run the Sunkist Open in 1997 after I graduated, I met Art Martori and USA Wrestling and ended up with a career in wrestling. All the while, Ken Kraft looked over me and never failed to provide support, advice and encouragement.      I thought my story would be unique. I thought I was special, that Ken Kraft - Northwestern Senior Associate Athletic Director, Midlands Director, Past President of USA Wrestling - chose me to mentor.  But I was naively mistaken. Ken has helped innumerable numbers of people, Wildcat or not, in their personal and professional life.     On that final weekend in June, in Evanston, Ill., almost 100 people joined to send the "Old Wildcat" into retirement. There were past and present friends all sharing a similar story of Ken's generosity and commitment in life.  The big wrestling family included his first recruit, a college roommate he hasn't seen in 40 years, former student-athletes, co-workers and family members.      Although his formal duties at Northwestern come to a close, they really can't get rid of him. Ken doesn't know the meaning of retirement or taking it slow.  He will still be at the helm of his crown jewel, The Midlands, and will be spending more time promoting Beat The Streets. An Old Wildcat's duties never cease.     I am honored to be one of many that have been blessed by the "Old Wildcat" and am grateful have his watchful eye on me. I just hope I can make him proud and fulfill his standards of excellence