The Florida chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame was founded in 2000. We have over 150 alumni representing the state from Pensacola to Key West. A traveling wrestling museum is the center piece of our Honors weekend, the FHSAA finals, and our 2 off season tournaments. We award one boys' and girls' Next Level Scholarship, annually, in the amount of $1000. Florida sponsored Life University Coach Ashley Sword's clinic and guest speakers Coach Tom Ryan (Ohio State) Coach John Smith (Oklahoma State) and Coach Chris Bono (Wisconsin). Our information and message can be found here and on our Facebook page. Enjoy this video produced by National. It says it all right here and read the Spring 2023 Newsletter.
Florida Chapter
Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Florida Chapter Honorees
Latest Florida Chapter Inductees
David Phillips
Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Kevin Pedersen
Year: 2022
Outstanding American
Mark Prince
Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Humberto Reyna Jr.
Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
John Lawton
Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Jeffery Levitetz
Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Bryan Wilkes
Year: 2022
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Latest High School Excellence Award Winners
Nominations
Class 2024 nominations are accepted until August 30, 2023. Please email Bob Burns for further instructions.
For Honors Weekend tickets and donations visit: fl-nwhof.ticketleap.com (A convenience fee is applicable). Access to a mail in Reservation Sheet for the 2023 Banquet is Here.
Questions? Contact:
Jane Townsend 561.876.5830 or Don Smith 561-629-2399 djs4track@gmail.com
Fill out this Lifetime Service / Outstanding American / Medal of Courage, Application
Fill out this John Vaughan Award, Application
Nomination Categories
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.
John Vaughan Award
This prestigious chapter award was created to acknowledge those deserving individuals who otherwise may not receive recognition for their profound contribution to the sport of amateur wrestling in the state.
Florida Chapter Board
The Florida Chapter for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame was established in 2000.
NWHOF - Florida
1505 Crowberry Ln Sebastian, Fl 32598
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Gary Townsend – Executive Director
Don Smith – Vice President
Jane Townsend – Secretary
Emily Drews – Treasurer
Sam Agresti - Security
Bill Combs - Operations
Robert Matyskiel - Sergeant at Arms
Robert Burns – Nominations
Pete Collins – Museum Curator
Robert Thomas – Media Services
Jeff Malavsky – Development
Jim Smoot - Officials Director Cecelia Solomon – Administrative Assistant
1 Year BOARD
FAWA – open
FHSAA – Corey Sobers
Boys Director – Sal Basile
Girls Director – Mikel Bush
The HOF Board is growing our traveling museum of Florida Wrestling. We are looking for state championship programs for all years and all divisions. If you have one(s) to donate please contact Museum Curator Pete Collins.
Florida Chapter Inductions
The Florida Chapter is Pleased to Announce the Class of 2023
The main event is set for the 24th annual induction into the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame August 25 and 26. On Saturday March 4 the Class of 2023 will be introduced at the FHSAA State Championships. Join us in welcoming Coach Sean Ballard, Coach Chris Bono, Coach Donald Knauf, Coach Samuel Pruitt, Coach Saul Tejada and Coach / Official Donald Weekley. These men will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award at the Honors Weekend held in Orlando. The chapter's 2023 John Vaughn Award goes to Coach Gerald Gergley .
Access to a mail in Reservation Sheet for the 2023 Banquet is Here.
Florida Chapter News
Latest Florida Chapter News
From the Desk of Cecelia Solomon: Spring 2023 Newsletter
May We Introduce to You..........
2023 Pinellas County Finals Unites 11 Alumni
May We Introduce to You the One and Only Class of 2023
The Florida Chapter's Class of 2023 is Sean Ballard, Chris Bono, Gerald Gergley, Donald Knauf, Samuel Pruitt, Saul Tejada, and Donald Weekley.
University of Wisconsin Coach, Chris Bono to Speak Before 2023 FHSAA Championships
Andrew Wittenberg, Timber Creek, @Danny Byron Tournament “Giving it His All”
University of Wisconsin Coach, Chris Bono, to Speak Before 2023 FHSAA States
2022 NWHOF Florida, 'John Vaughn Award" Recipient: Miriam Jenkins
Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations