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 Saturday night (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,” Smith said.

Learn more about each inductee. See the banquet program and introductory videos from many of the inductees.

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