Lifetime Service Perhaps no man in history of Illinois wrestling has been more involved than Vernon "Art" Adams of Normal, Illinois. A man dedicated to education "” and just as much so to wrestling "” Art has served the young men and their coaches of Illinois and the schools that they represent as a coach, administrator, official, rules interpreter, and a member of the IHSA Wrestling Advisory Committee. He was also a columnist for what was the original Illinois wrestling publication "” The Word. Art's career in wrestling began at Illinois State University as a member of the late Dr. Gene Hill's team. His high school team, Thornton of Harvey did not offer the sport of wrestling at that time. While on staff at ISU, Art was a member of the President's Staff, as Director of Community College and External Relations, following a long tenure at Ottawa Township High School. He began as a teacher and wrestling coach and left after serving as an administrator. Dr. Adams is probably best known for his outstanding work as an official and rules expert. He was a mat official for five IHSA State Championships and assisted in the conduct of the IHSA State Tournament weigh-ins. In 1976, Art was inducted into the IWCOA Hall of Fame. In 1979 he served as the Grand Marshal for the IHSA Individual State Tournament.