The National Wrestling Hall of Fame announced that it will highlight some of the Wrestling Legends of Michigan in an exhibit on the concourse of Little Caesars Arena during the 2022 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships on March 17-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

“The state of Michigan has a long and illustrious heritage in the sport of wrestling,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director, National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “The National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honored to promote and share that history with fans at the NCAA Wrestling Championships by featuring some of the state’s greatest high school, collegiate, Olympic and World champions and coaches.”

The 8-foot by 15-foot exhibit has 11 of the Hall of Fame Distinguished Members from Michigan or who coached or wrestled in Michigan: Don Behm, Mark Churella, Fendley Collins, Steve Fraser, Kevin Jackson, Zeke Jones, Clifford Keen, Pat Milkovich, Grady Peninger, Tricia Saunders, and Chris Taylor.

It also includes a QR Code that takes the user to nwhof.org/exhibits/michigan, which features all Michigan honorees – National, State Chapter, Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa, Alan and Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions, Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award, Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award and George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Following the NCAA tournament, the exhibit will be presented to the Hall of Fame’s Michigan Chapter for display at future wrestling events in the state.

The Hall of Fame featured wrestling greats from Pennsylvania when the NCAA tournament was held in Pittsburgh in 2019.

The Hall of Fame’s exhibit highlighting Minnesota wrestling legends was unable to be displayed when the 2020 NCAA tournament was canceled because of the COVID pandemic.

The exhibits have been given to the Hall of Fame’s State Chapters in Pennsylvania and Minnesota for display at events in their respective states to celebrate their sport’s heritage.