Ed Gilson started wrestling in the ninth grade. He went on to compete and graduate at the University of Northern Iowa. After coaching one year in Iowa, Ed served a tour in Vietnam for the U.S. Army and returned from duty in 1971. He coached in Maryland at Saverna Park Junior High and Saverna Park High School. Then he moved to Chesapeake (Md.) High School where his team won the state championship in 1981. He began coaching at Independence High School in 1982. His 1995 Patriot team was state runner-up in the AA division and his 1996 team won the West Virginia State Championship. During his 37 years of coaching, his teams have won over 370 dual matches and 60 tournament championships, which include 13 regional titles. Ed has coached 45 state finalists, 13 state champions, and 90 state place winners. In 1996, he was named AA West Virginia "Coach of the Year". Not only has Ed served as a wrestler and coach, he has worked clinics, officiated and directed numerous tournaments. He also has been a past member of the State Wrestling Committee and was President of the State Coaches Association. Outside of wrestling, Ed has coached track and cross country, served as a Cub Scout leader, and has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Ed often says that he has been blessed with wonderful parents, cooperative principals, and hundreds of young athletes who have made him proud of their accomplishments. At least thirty of those athletes have coached wrestling at some level. Ed and his loving wife, Mary Ann, are the proud parents of three sons - Eddie, Andrew, and Matthew. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Ed Gilson with a "Lifetime of Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2007.