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 Fall 2023 newsletter.
Florida Chapter
Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Florida Chapter Honorees
Latest Florida Chapter Inductees
Saul Tejada
Year: 2023
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Sean Ballard
Year: 2023
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Don Knauf
Year: 2023
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chris Bono
Year: 2023
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Sam Pruitt
Year: 2023
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Don Weekley
Year: 2023
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 for 2023 have concluded. For the story please see the article, 'The Sound of Lifetime Service'. We will next see you at the 2024 FHSAA State tournament in March.
Florida Chapter News
Latest Florida Chapter News
The Next Level Scholarship is Back
For the fifth year the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter is offering a scholarship opportunity to a Boy and Girl Florida scholastic wrestler.
The Sound of Lifetime Service 2023
Florida Chapter Museum's Deep Dive into FHSAA Championship Archives
Glenn Goodman Sets the Bar High
Florida Organizes to Honor Successful Wrestlers
Que the QR: Streamlining Our Museum's Mission
Pete Collins, Florida Chapter Museum Director, works to digitize Florida's wrestling history.
Here is Your Connection to Florida Chapter Honors Weekend 2023
Florida Chapter Spring Newsletter
Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations