Francis 'Yogi Michael

"Yogi", as we all know him, began his wrestling in the seventh grade when he learned to wrestle at GAR. He is the only high school wrestler to win the Wilkes Wrestling Tournament all four years of his high school career. His wrestling career culminated in 1965, when Yogi, wrestling at 138 pounds, became the first and only wrestler to win a state title from GAR. Probably not many people knew he was a state champion as his accomplishments have been as an outstanding wrestling official spanning thirty-five years. His total involvement in wrestling is over fifty years of service. Yogi was a fledgling high school official when, while in the stands watching the Wilkes Open, he was called into service at "The Rose Bowl of Wrestling." As we say, the rest is history, as Francis "Yogi" Michael would become one of the finest wrestling officials on the high school and college level. He officiated two Division I NCAA Wrestling Tournaments as well as numerous P.J.A.A. State high school championships.

Awards:

Year
2009
Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter/Region
Pennsylvania

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