Greco-Roman wrestling celebrated at Hall of Champions event in Minneapolis

WATERLOO, Iowa—Four champions in Greco-Roman wrestling, a leader in the sport of wrestling, and an influential wrestling family were honored by the Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions. A banquet recognizing all honorees was held at Augsburg College in Minneapolis on Oct. 18. Over 200 people attended the event.

Jason Bryant of the theopenmat.com served as master of ceremonies for the event.

“The people we honored and inducted into the Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions are truly representative of the sport of wrestling, the fraternal attitude it brings, and how we as a sport conduct ourselves on and off the mat,” said Bryant. “The people who came to Minnesota for the special night were among the best ever to represent us.”

Alan and Gloria Rice, namesakes of the hall of champions, have been instrumental to the success of Greco-Roman wrestling in the United States. Alan Rice was a Big Ten champion and an All-American for the University of Minnesota. In 1956 he won double national titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle. He also placed fifth at the 1956 Olympics and was coach of the 1972 Greco-Roman Olympic team.

The Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions is located inside the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.

“We feel really good about the banquet,” said Rice. “Honoring our legends in Greco-Roman is important to the advancement of our sport. I’m proud to be part of such a memorable event.”

This year’s induction class included four Greco-Roman stars: Jim Burke, Jim Raschke, Brad Rheingans, and Jim Martinez.

Jim Burke, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 70, was the first wrestler from the United States to medal at the World Championships in Greco-Roman. He placed third at the 1962 World Championships at 154 pounds. Accepting on his behalf was his friend and 12-time national Greco-Roman champion, Russ Camilleri.

Jim Raschke and Brad Rheigans have the unique distinction of being in two Halls of Fame at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Both wrestled professionally for the American Wrestling Association following their amateur wrestling careers. Each was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame prior to being inducted into the Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions.

Rheingans was unable to attend due to knee surgery, but his presence was felt during a pre-recorded speech that was played during the banquet.

“For me, it’s one of the greatest honors that anyone could achieve at the end of their athletic career—especially their Greco-Roman wrestling career,” said Rheingans during his induction speech. “I’m very fortunate for the position I was in with Greco-Roman wrestling, and I never would have been in that position if it hadn’t have been for Alan Rice.”

Jim Martinez, a bronze medalist at the 1984 Olympics and the 1985 World Championships, was recognized twice at the event. Not only was he inducted as an individual, but he was also recognized alongside his family with the prestigious Legacy Award. The award is given to a family, team, or organization that has excelled in wrestling.

Lavonne and Manuel Martinez had eight children (two daughters and six sons) that attended Osseo High School in Osseo, Minn. All eight of the siblings were in attendance to accept the award.

Dave Curby was given the Alan Rice Leadership Award for his contributions to advancing the sport of wrestling. Curby is the founder and director of the International Network of Wrestling Researchers (INWR) and editor of their official publication.

In 2010, Dave and the Curby family formed the Jacob Curby Foundation in memory of his son who was a member of the U.S. National Greco-Roman team. The foundation conducts the Jacob Curby Cup, one of America’s premier Greco-Roman competitions.

“The Alan and Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions banquet was truly enjoyable,” said Curby. “It put our sport in a good light. What a great audience. This is a reflection of the fine work at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.”

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