The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the sport of wrestling were saddened to learn of the passing of Ross Aguiar, who received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Nevada Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2011.

Aguiar started the Reno (Nevada) Tournament of Champions in 1996, and helped it grow into one of the highest-profile wrestling tournaments in the country, featuring top college and high school teams from across the country.

“Our sport has lost a great promoter and supporter, and, more importantly a friend. I have so many great memories of Ross, particularly those associated with the tournament that he hosted, and just recently at the World Championships in Las Vegas,” said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”