FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2026

Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Announces Dr. Talena Williams and John Swartz to Board of Directors

Virginia Beach, Va. – The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Talena Williams and John Swartz to its Board of Directors, adding two respected leaders whose decades of service have helped shape wrestling across the Commonwealth.

Both Williams and Swartz were previously recognized by the Virginia Chapter with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award, honoring individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the sport.

"Talena and John represent the very best of what wrestling stands for," said Dr. Karl Spinnenweber, President of the Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. "Their commitment to serving athletes, coaches, officials, and wrestling families has strengthened our sport for decades. We are excited to welcome them to the Board as we continue to preserve wrestling's history and recognize those who make a difference."

Dr. Talena Williams

A nationally respected athletic trainer, physician assistant, and healthcare executive, Dr. Talena Williams has devoted nearly three decades to protecting the health and safety of wrestlers at every level. She has served as the head athletic trainer for the Virginia High School League State Wrestling Championships since 1997, helped develop Virginia's wrestling weight management guidelines, and was one of four medical directors for Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Her career also includes serving as Vice President of Clinical Operations at The Steadman Clinic and helping develop concussion protocols adopted across contact sports.

A lifelong member of Virginia's wrestling community, Williams grew up in the legendary Grundy wrestling tradition and has remained an advocate for the sport through her medical expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to athlete safety. 

John Swartz

For more than two decades, John Swartz has been one of the driving forces behind wrestling in Virginia. Best known as Co-Director of the prestigious Virginia Duals, Swartz has helped oversee one of the nation's premier high school and college wrestling events while also serving as coach, administrator, mentor, and volunteer throughout the Peninsula wrestling community.

His service includes leadership roles with the Peninsula Wrestling Association, Peninsula Youth Wrestling League, Virginia Wrestling Association, and the Virginia Duals, along with successful coaching tenures at Smithfield High School and youth wrestling programs. He also played a key role in developing tournament management procedures, improving weight management policies, and enhancing wrestler safety throughout Virginia.

Continuing the Mission

As members of the Board of Directors, Williams and Swartz will help guide the Virginia Chapter's efforts to honor excellence in wrestling, preserve the sport's rich history, and recognize those whose leadership and service continue to inspire future generations.

The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Virginians whose achievements and lifetime contributions have positively impacted the sport of wrestling and the lives of countless athletes throughout the Commonwealth.