Florida Chapter

Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

The 2025 Honors Weekend is in the can!

We are now constructing the infrastructure for the class of 2026. Stay tuned. We will see you at the FHSAA State tournament in March. More of our message can be found on our Facebook page. Enjoy this video produced by National, here and read the Summer 2025 part 1 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, Application (August 30, 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, Application

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
Pete Collins – Museum Curator
Robert Thomas – Media Services

Jeff Malavsky – Development
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 Museum Curator Pete Collins.

Attention Seniors.

We are once again offering the 2026 Next Level Scholarship. Boys and girls can get details by opening these applications. Good Luck! Girls Boys


Ward Wrestling: Thanks Dan for these great pics!

https://linktr.ee/WardWrestling







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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