By Joe Tuscano
Assistant Sports Editor
Observer-Reporter
WASHINGTON, Pa. - Two of this area’s legendary wrestlers were recognized with the sport’s highest honor.

Cary Kolat and Tony Gizoni were two of the inductees into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame during ceremonies held Saturday.

That alone would be a superb honor, but Kolat was recognized as a Distinguished Member for the Modern Era. A little extra oomph in status for him and well deserved.

Gizoni, a graduate of Washington High School and Waynesburg University, was selected by the Veterans Committee.

Kolat is recognized by most as the greatest wrestler of his era, but he found a lot of disappointment on the international stage.

“It’s the biggest accomplishment of my career,” Kolat said in a release from Campbell University, where he is head wrestling coach. “When I started out, I never set out for the hall of fame. That was down the road and not something as a young man you think about. Now at the age of 44, looking back on it and having people vote me in, it is the biggest honor and cements your place in the sport.”

Kolat emerged from tiny Jefferson-Morgan High School, where he was an undefeated four-time PIAA Class AA champion with a 137-0 record. He was recognized as the top schoolboy wrestler in the country and even had a story about his exploits published in “Sports Illustrated” magazine.

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