Unfortunately cancer is no respecter of persons, not even wrestlers.

When Charlie Gadson was stricken with brain cancer several years ago, he had to undergo surgery to remove a tumor and then undergo chemotherapy and radiation. He fought through his affliction, recovered, and resumed his work.

Not even the strain of recovering from cancer could diminish Charlie’s deep-seated love for wrestling and those who participate in the sport. To this day he volunteers his time to work with youth wrestlers near his home in Huntington Station.

Charlie’s long list of wrestling achievements have their origin at Huntington High School, where he was a New York State champion and Outstanding Wrestler in 1972 and a NYS champion in 1973.

Following high school, he won the junior college national championship for Farmingdale State College before earning All-American honors for Iowa State University, placing third at the 1978 NCAA Championships.

He competed for the United States at the 1979 Tbilisi Tournament, characterized by some as a tougher event than the Olympics, and frequently placed at the Midlands Tournament, often referred to as the "Super Bowl of Wrestling."

Charlie was an alternate for the U.S. Olympic team and won USA Wrestling's Grand Champion Belt in 1984. Presented to the individual with the highest number of points earned in national and international competition, the Grand Champion Belt was like the nation's Most Outstanding Wrestler award.

Following the end of his competitive career, Charlie served for 10 years as an assistant and head coach at Farmingdale High School.

As a wrestling coach, Charlie showed the unique ability to take a below-average high school wrestler and mold him into an athlete who could hold his own at any wrestling tournament in the country.

Coach Gadson was also available as a mentor or a caring older brother who advised his wrestlers on a wide range of topics, including school and girls.

Eventually employed in the private sector, Charlie remained active as a clinician in area wrestling camps and at volunteering to work in and out of season with young wrestlers.

The Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is pleased to present Charlie Gadson with the Medal of Courage award, and salute this remarkable coach and human being that has touched and positively influenced so many lives.