Nine new members were inducted into the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame before a record crowd of more than 650 people on April 26 at Mohegan Sun.

Shirzad Ahmadi, Drew Black, Fritz Blasius, David D’Alessio, Gerry deSimas, Jr., David Green, Ted Oczkowski, Chris Piel and Ray Southland were recognized for their service to the sport of wrestling with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

They join 51 other men and women in the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, attended the event.

“We believe that each of our honorees has a story worth preserving and sharing at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum,” he said. “Each inductee’s story represents not only the success of the person enshrined by the state chapter but also the lives changes and positively impacted because of the honoree’s commitment and passion for the great sport of wrestling."

CLICK HERE to see the banquet program and videos for many of the honorees.

Posted June 1, 2025 by the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame