Renny Garshelis
Lifetime Service Renshaw B. Garshelis "” "Renny" to those who know him "” spent his scholastic days in his native Ohio where he became a two-time state qualifier for Anderson High School. Graduating in 1964 Renny headed west to Eastern Illinois University to wrestle under the guidance of the Panther's coach, Hop Pinther. While at Eastern Renny lettered in both wrestling and soccer. Shortly following graduation from Eastern, Renny set about the task of creating a wrestling program at Charleston Community Schools from the ground up "” elementary through high school. Budget constraints forced the elimination of the program, but Renny stayed on and coached two blind wrestlers who eventually went on to compete in the National Blind Championships in Seattle, Washington. Following his brief stint as coach, Renny re-focused on officiating "” thus beginning his long and illustrious career as a mat official. During this career Renny has worked numerous collegiate tournaments "” including the NCAA D-1, D-2 and D-3 Championships; Big Ten and Big Eight Dual meets; the Midlands; the Southern and St. Louis Open. Additionally, Renny has worked many Illinois High School duals and tournaments. He has served as the Supervisor of Officials for both the IHSA Individual State and the Dual Team State Tournaments. He has also served on the IHSA Wrestling Advisory Committee, a rules interpreter and clinician and he developed and implemented a training program for officials. The National Federation of Officials twice honored Renny as its Official of the Year. In 1990, the IWCOA selected Renny as the Illinois Official of the Year. In that same year Renny was inducted into Eastern Illinois' Hall of Fame. The IWCOA inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 2004 Renny was honored as a Grand Marshal at the IHSA Individual State Championships.
Awards:
Year
2009
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Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
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Chapter/Region
Illinois
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