Florida Chapter

Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

We are building the infrastructure for the class of 2026 Honors Weekend

Purchase your event tickets HERE and Hotel reservations HERE . More of our message can be found on our Facebook page. Enjoy this video produced by National, here and read the Fall 2025 newsletter.

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.

Fill out this Lifetime Service / Outstanding American / Medal of Courage, Fillable Application (Helpful Hints: opens in download window / Microsoft word file not compatible with MAC / possibly only Windows 11 / enable editing) / Hard copy application (August 15, 2026 deadline for the class of 2027 )

Direct nomination questions to Bob Burns.

FLORIDA CHAPTER AWARDS:

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.

Fill out this John Vaughan Award, (hard copy) Application / Fillable Application (opens in download window)

FLORIDA CHAPTER BOARD

The Florida Chapter for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame was established in 2000.

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
Robert Thomas – Media Services / Museum

Open – Scholarship

Cecelia Solomon – Administrative Assistant

1 Year BOARD
Officials Director - Don Weekley / Alan Solomon

FAWA Director– David Mason
FHSAA – Corey Sobers
Boys Director – Sal Basile
Girls Director –open

NWHOF - Florida Chapter
1505 Crowberry Ln Sebastian, Fl 32598

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 any board member.

Honors Weekend August 28 / 29 event and hotel links. EVENT tickets HOTEL Reservations

Ward Wrestling: Thanks Dan for these great pics!

https://linktr.ee/WardWrestling





Florida Chapter News

Latest Florida Chapter News

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