State Chapters

Purpose of the State Chapters

The Board of Governors of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum established the State Chapter program in 1993.

The purpose is to pay tribute to those coaches, officials and contributors who represent the best qualities of what the sport of wrestling has to offer and who share those characteristics with young people day in and day out.

Nomination Information

Lifetime Service To Wrestling
Given in recognition of 20 years or more of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in the youth through the sport of wrestling.

Outstanding American
Given to former wrestlers who are highly successful in other walks of life and use the disciplines learned in wrestling in their profession.

Medal of Courage
A former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable challenges, which may be physical, mental or other disabilities that make their achievements all the more uplifting.

NOMINATION FORM 

State Chapter Director

Krista Graff
State Chapter Office
405 West Hall of Fame Avenue
Stillwater, OK 74075

Phone: (405) 742-4470
Email: kgraff@nwhof.org

Latest State Chapter News

Proud to Support: Coming to Florida

The Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is partnering with the Wrestling With The Outdoors organization to amplify its promotion of the importance of leadership, virtue and service.

The WWTO Board of Directors are Distinguished Members Barry Davis and Dan Gable, three-time NCAA champion Bo Nickal and Rob Rapsey. WWTO is scheduled to come to Hollywood, Florida on February 8-10, 2027.

Attend the Florida Chapter's Honors Weekend on August 28 and 29 and meet Davis and fellow Distinguished Member Ricky Bonomo.

Oklahoma Chapter to Induct Seven in October

The Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor seven outstanding individuals at its 2026 induction ceremony on October 4 in Edmond. 

Coaches Don Langham, Matt Surber, and the late Todd Glasgow, as well as officials Josh Briscoe and Mark Hudson will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award. Lieutenant Colonel Tanner Garrett will be honored as an Outstanding American Award and Billy Simpson will receive the Medal of Courage. 

In addition to these traditional awards sanctioned by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Chapter will present its Madalene and Lee Roy Smith Family Award to the James Family from Del City. 

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Register Now for 2026 Downstate New York Induction Ceremony & Dinner

The Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor its Class of 2026 on Sunday, September 20 at the Marriott Melville Long Island in Melville, New York.

Our Mission: Preserve wrestling history, recognize extraordinary achievement and inspire greatness

Our Vision: Be the definitive steward and champion of wrestling history and achievement

Our Values: Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Service