Connecticut Chapter

Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Welcome to the home of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The Connecticut chapter is a direct extension of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Chapter and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma. 

The Connecticut chapter provides outreach and support for the National Hall. Our chapter was formed in 2002 to honor committed coaches, officials, contributors and other deserving individuals from Connecticut. Our first induction banquet was in 2003 with additional banquets in 2004 and 2005. The chapter was restarted in 2009 by current president Ted Oczkowski and we have hosted five induction banquets (2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2022).

Connecticut Chapter Honorees

Latest Connecticut Chapter Inductees

Ben Aleks

Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Frank Kapral

Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Bryan McCarty

Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Sarah Jadach

Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Mike Cunningham

Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Erich Doubek

Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Latest High School Excellence Award Winners

Nate Taylor

Year: 2024
Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award

Kelly Aspras

Year: 2024
Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award

Nominations

Lifetime Service To Wrestling

Given in recognition of years 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 and use the disciplines learned in wrestling in their profession.

Medal of Courage

Is presented to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable challenges.

Connecticut Chapter Board

Ted Oczkowski, President
Email: ctcoy2002@yahoo.com

Nick Grosso, Vice President
Email: raiders818075@yahoo.com

Mark Cammisa, Treasurer
Email: markcammisa@comcast.net

Gerry deSimas, Jr., Secretary
Email: ctwrestling7@yahoo.com

Mike Cunningham, Director, Development
Email: Mcunningham@xavierhighschool.org

Dr. Erich Doubek, Director, Development
Email: drdoubek@sbcglobal.net

Paul Musso, Director, Development
Email: pjmusso@yahoo.com

Brian Zaccagnino, Director, Development
Email: brian@zacclaw.com

Connecticut Chapter Inductions

Next banquet: Sat. April 26, 2025 at Mohegan Sun

Connecticut State Chapter website

Connecticut State Chapter Facebook page

Connecticut Wrestling Online (Latest CT wrestling news and information)

Connecticut Chapter News

Latest Connecticut Chapter News

Connecticut wrestler won gold in Paris in 1924

Connecticut's John Spellman was one of four Americans to win a gold medal in freestyle at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

Nine to be inducted into Connecticut Chapter in 2025

Nine outstanding individuals from Connecticut's wrestling community will be inducted into the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in April 2025.

Another State Open championship for Xavier

With five finalists and three individual champions, Xavier scores a tournament-record 243½ points to win the State Open title

Youth tournament named in honor of Joe Kapacziewski

Youth tournament renamed in honor of the late Joseph Kapcziewski, who was honored by the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013

Next CT Chapter banquet will be in April 2025 at Mohegan Sun

Save the date. The next induction banquet by the Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will be April 26, 2025

Donald Knauf: A legacy of service in multiple states

Donald Knauf has taught wrestling to youngsters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and Florida in his coaching career that spans six decades.

Richard Perry’s remarkable recovery shared in New York Times story

Middletown High gradate Richard Perry to be inducted in National Wrestling Hall of Fame on June 3

Danbury PAL honors Mark and Nancy Cammisa

Mark and Nancy Cammisa honored for long-time support of Danbury wrestling programs

Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations