The late Joe Grass was considered by West Virginia mat enthusiasts as one of the best referees to ever officiate the state wrestling tournament. He was noted for his knowledge of the rules, consistency, and fairness to the wrestlers. Joe Grass started his officiating career in the 1960s ... and never looked back. During his tenure, Grass refereed 15 state championships, one NAIA Tournament in 1979, over 20 regional events, and nearly twenty top tournaments a year. Joe's valued services were also solicited by the states of Ohio and Kentucky. For his efforts on the mats, Joe Grass was selected as the "Official of the Decade" in the 1970s by The West Virginia Wrestler. No one would disagree. Grass was respected by the coaches, the wrestlers, the fans, and his peers. In fact, one reporter once wrote that "Mr. Grass is the only wrestling official to receive a standing ovation from fans at the state championships two years in a row." When not officiating, Joe Grass was also involved with his community. A former Milton City Councilman, he promoted numerous recreational and youth athletic programs in the area. Grass initiated the "midget" wrestling program that assisted Milton High School to develop into one of the top wrestling programs in the state. Now there is an open mat event named after him -- "The Joe Grass Wrestling Tournament." Joe Grass is survived by his wife, Sara, and two sons, Todd and Ty. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors the late Joe Eddie Grass with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2004.