A gifted writer, Mike Chapman has used his skills to tell the stories of wrestling's heroes and bring the excitement and drama of the sport to millions of people worldwide.

Over a 35-year career, he reached the top of his profession as a journalist at newspapers in Iowa, Illinois and Colorado. But wrestling has always been his passion. He has authored 13 books about the sport, penning true tales rich with legendary performances of America's wrestling heroes. He served the sport as Director of Communications for USA Wrestling from 1986-88.

In 1993, he founded W.I.N. Magazine, a newspaper dedicated to covering all levels of the sport of wrestling in a complete and timely fashion. Although he sold the paper a few years ago, he still contributes as a columnist.

While at W.I.N., Chapman established the Dan Hodge Trophy, given each year to the nation's top collegiate wrestler. Called by many the "Heisman Trophy of Wrestling," the award has grown in prestige with each year it has been presented.

Chapman also opened the International Wrestling Institute and Museum in 1998 in Newton, Iowa. Nine years and 40,000 visitors later, it moved to Waterloo, Iowa and was renamed The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum.

As an athlete, Mike participated in wrestling, judo and sombo, as well as bench press contests. He once bench pressed 440 pounds at a bodyweight of 205. Mike has given speeches on wrestling history to numerous groups for decades.

He has earned numerous awards, including being named National Wrestling Writer of the Year five times, and winning the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2002 by the Cauliflower Alley Club, an organization of former boxers, wrestlers and movie actors. He is a member of four halls of fame recognizing his efforts on behalf of wrestling.