We are building the infrastructure for the class of 2026 Honors Weekend
Purchase your event tickets HERE, ( mailable paper version ) 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 Summer 2026 newsletter.
Year: 2025
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Year: 2025
Medal of Courage
Year: 2025
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Year: 2025
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Year: 2025
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Year: 2025
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Year: 2025
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
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 –Ryland Wagner
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.
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.
Recognition is the controlling purpose of the Florida chapter.
The process begins when you recommend a hero from your wrestling community.
Qualified individuals may reside in your home, at your school, or even in your neighborhood. You might know people who have devoted a lifetime to our sport or have used wrestling to rise in their field of expertise.
Florida State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honorees will make their annual appearance prior to the finals of the Florida High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament at Silver Spurs Arena on March 7.
The Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026: Lifetime Service to Wrestling recipients Pat Ancil, Dave Arter, Travis Gray, Louis Kachiroubas, Mike Schyck, and John Severe; and Outstanding American honoree Colonel Drew Meyerowich.
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