Lee Hughes has been a major force in the Maryland wrestling scene since 1949. It was that year when he was a freshman at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute he became a member of the Poly wrestling team. Since then he has been involved in the sport at many different levels. Upon graduation from Poly, Lee entered Towson State College, where he was a member of the soccer, wrestling, and club lacrosse teams. Following graduation and marriage, Lee entered the United States Marine Corps, where he served as an officer for two years.

It was during this time that he was asked to officiate the 3rd Marine Division Championships. This opportunity would lead to Lee becoming a wrestling official In the future. Upon separation from the Marine Corps, Lee and his wife returned to Baltimore where he became a teacher in Baltimore County. After one year Lee returned to the Marine Corps as a civilian and eventually was selected as Director of the Marine Corps Institute in Washington, DC. Lee was responsible for programmed education of Marines throughout the worid. When he eventually retired, the Marine Corps honored Lee with a private parade at the oldest Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, DC.

During the years of working with the Marine Corps, Lee also renewed his involvement in wrestling as a junior league coach and as a wresting official with the Maryland Wrestling Officials Association. He was responsible for starting the Randallstown Optimist Junior League team, in the Maryland Junior League. Lee also became very active in the Maryland Wrestling Officials Association in 1961.

It was at this time Lee was recognized as one of the outstanding high school and college officials in the state. He was one of the referees at the first Maryland State Public High School tournament and officiated many dual meets and tournaments in the Mason-Dixon College Conference. Lee also refereed many Atlantic Coast Conference and independent college events with such teams as University of Maryland and Pennsylvania State University.

In early 1970 Lee became the very first Commissioner of the Maryland Wresting Officials Association, and was responsible for assigning Baltimore metropolitan area high school wrestling events. Lee did an outstanding job as Commissioner and with his organizational skills and dedication to excellence; he was able to set the standard, for other commissioners, of other sports, that still reflect his Influence to this day. He spent eight years as Commissioner and established a professional atmosphere that is still recognized as one of the best in the State of Maryland.

During the fifty-seven years that Lee Hughes has been a part of wrestling In Maryland, he had made a contribution at every level, as a competitor, coach, officlal, and adminlstrator.It Is with a great deal of conviction and pride that the Maryland Chapter of the National Wresting Hall of Fame