The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the definitive steward of wrestling history and achievement, is excited to announce that it will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2026. 

“I truly believe that the individuals who envisioned and ultimately created the National Wrestling Hall of Fame would be thrilled to see their dream celebrating 50 years,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “They would be amazed by how much we have grown and proud that we have remained true to our mission to preserve wrestling history, recognize extraordinary achievement and inspire greatness.” 

Additional details about 50th Anniversary initiatives, events, and exhibits will be announced throughout 2026 at www.NWHOF.org. 

The 50th Anniversary Celebration is being coordinated by a committee chaired by Roger Frizzell, who led the national public relations campaign that helped secure the sport of wrestling’s return to the Olympic Games. A four-time All-American at the University of Oklahoma, Frizzell went on to enjoy a distinguished career in communications, marketing, and public relations with American Airlines, AT&T, Carnival Corporation, Compaq, and Hewlett-Packard. 

Committee members include:

• Gary Abbott, Retired USA Wrestling Director of Communications

• Annie Barrucci, Vice President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

• Ross Bendik, Founder of the Foundation for Wrestling Art & Innovation and alumnus of the Penn State club wrestling program

• Jason Bryant, Wrestling historian and broadcaster

• Jack Carnefix, Operations Manager at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

• Ron Domanico, Chairman of National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Strategic Planning Why Wrestling! Execution Committee and Hall of Fame board member

• Tim Johnson, Longtime legendary voice of college wrestling for Iowa Public Television’s College Wrestling, ESPN, and the Big Ten Network

• Kim Martori Wickey, Former longtime executive director of the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club and Hall of Fame Board member

• Cristy Morrison, President and CEO of Visit Stillwater

• Kevin Murphy, President of the Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

• Nancy Perry, Chairman of National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Strategic Planning Exhibits Execution Committee, Retired Director of Museums for the City of Portsmouth and Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame board member

• Karl Spinnenweber, Chairman of National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Strategic Planning Collaboration Execution Committee

• Sandy Stevens, Legendary announcer and Hall of Fame board member 

• Madison Zweiacker, National Wrestling Hall of Fame Student Assistant

“From the very beginning, we knew that planning our 50th Anniversary needed to include voices beyond our staff,” Smith said. “That led us to assemble what can only be described as an all-star team of leaders, chaired by Roger Frizzell, who played an instrumental role in helping keep wrestling in the Olympic Games. Our committee members are not only passionate supporters of the sport, but a diverse group of creative professionals whose experience and perspective will help make this celebration truly special.” 

The Hall of Fame also unveiled its 50th Anniversary logo which includes the legendary statue, which has been part of the museum’s identity and logo since it began in 1976. The logo reflects both the Hall of Fame’s origins and its enduring mission to preserve wrestling history, recognize extraordinary achievement and inspire greatness. The statue is a copy of the classic Greek statue “The Wrestlers” by Cephisodotus which is displayed in the Uffizi gallery in Florence, Italy. The statue in the Hall of Fame is the only one in the world in green marble. It was first seen by Hall of Fame visionary Myron Roderick when he was in Europe for the 1972 Olympics. It was donated by Calvin Garrett of Oklahoma City in memory of his son, Robert L. Garrett, an Oklahoma State University senior killed in a motorcycle accident. 

In addition to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame museum in Stillwater, the milestone event will be celebrated at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, and at Hall of Fame State Chapter events. In an effort to create more opportunities for wrestling fans across the nation to engage with the Hall of Fame throughout the anniversary year, the NWHOF 50th will be featured at major wrestling tournaments, including the inaugural NCAA Women’s Championship in Coralville, Iowa in 2026 and the 2026 NCAA Men's Division I Championships in Cleveland. The Hall of Fame will also have special features on its website and social media. 

The dedication and formal opening of the Hall of Fame by the United States Wrestling Federation (USWF) was held on September 11, 1976. The weekend was highlighted by the induction of the Charter Class of 14 Distinguished Members during the first induction ceremony. Outstanding wrestling personalities from across the nation, including eight Olympic champions, were in attendance. 

The eight living inductees and their family and friends were present while the six posthumous honorees were represented by family and friends. The inaugural class of Distinguished Members was Raymond Clapp, Fendley Collins, Tommy Evans, Edward Gallagher, Art Griffith, Danny Hodge, Clifford Keen, Dave McCuskey, George Mehnert, Hugo Otopalik, Rex Peery, Myron Roderick, Billy Sheridan, and Jack VanBebber. 

Master of ceremonies and keynote speaker for the Honors Banquet was Frank Gifford, noted sportscaster for ABC television and radio and TV "voice" of Olympic wrestling at Munich in 1972 and Montreal in 1976. Another highlight of the Honors Banquet was presentation of a special citation from President Gerald Ford, who once played football under the coaching of Cliff Keen at Michigan. Representing the White House was Richard Keelor of the President's Council on Physical Fitness. 

Following the inaugural Honors Weekend in 1976, Hall of Fame Director and Distinguished Member Robert Dellinger said, "Our ultimate goal is to create a continuing, growing, lasting tribute to the sport of wrestling and to its people." 

Half a century later, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame continues its vision to be the definitive steward and champion of wrestling history and achievement. 

The building was home to the USWF from 1976 to 1983 when it became USA Wrestling (USAW). USAW remained in Stillwater until 1988 when it relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, home of the United States Olympic Committee. 

The Hall of Fame will induct its 49th class during Honors Weekend on June 5 and 6, 2026, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Class of 2026 is Distinguished Members Ben Askren, Tervel Dlagnev, Lee Roy Smith and Shannon Williams-Yancey; Meritorious Official honoree Zach Errett; Order of Merit recipient James L. Porter, MA, LAT, ATC; Medal of Courage recipient Patrick Morrissey; and Outstanding American honoree Retired United States Army Major General Michael J. Nardotti, Jr. 

The Class of 2026 will bring the total number of Distinguished Members to 220, Outstanding Americans to 61, Meritorious Officials to 53, Order of Merit to 33 and Medal of Courage to 32. 

The 50th Anniversary celebration will not only honor the Hall of Fame’s storied past, but also highlight its continued evolution and impact on future generations. 

Additional details about 50th Anniversary initiatives, events, and exhibits will be announced throughout 2026 at www.NWHOF.org