Haswell M. Franklin started his involvement in wrestling in 1967 when is oldest son signed up for the YMCA in Towson, MD. it didn't take long for Haswell to become involved and by 1970 he was the director of the Towson-Dumbarton Junior League Program.

He has gone from one position to another, but in 1984 he was elected Chairman of the Maryland State Wrestling Association, which is the State Chapter of USA Wrestling the national governing body of wrestling.

Since he has been Chairman the membership has grown from 300 to nearly 2000 and has established competitions and programs which include the Gilman Duals, the Mason – Dixon Quad, the Maryland Independent Schools Wrestling Championships, and the Maryland High School Classic to name few accomplishments.

He is the past member of the Board of Directors of the Unites States High School Coaches Association and currently is a member of the advisory Committee for the National Preps Wrestling tournament. In 1986 he was honored by the Maryland Wrestling Officials Association for “Significant Contributions to the Sport of Wrestling”, and is a member of the national wrestling Hall of Achievement.

Haswell M. Franklin has Given 35 years to the sport of wrestling which is feat in itself. He did it as a labor of love for the sport. He is a founding father of Franklin/Morris Associates, a financial and benefit planning firm in Baltimore.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Maryland Chapter is proud to present the Outstanding American Award TO Haswell Franklin.