Florida Chapter

Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

2025 HONORS WEEKEND RESERVATIONS

The Florida chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is celebrating its 26th Anniversary and our 158 alumni on August 22-23. Find Honors Weekend hotel reservations here. Your event tickets are here.

More of our message can be found on our Facebook page. Enjoy this video produced by National, here and read the Fall 2024 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

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.

2025 HONORS CEREMONY

Online Event Registration

Mail in Event only Registration


SCHEDULE:
Friday, August 22, 2025
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Friday Night Social - Meet the Inductees

Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:00 AM Testimonial Brunch

Honors Banquet:
5:00 PM Reception
6:00 PM Meal
7:00 PM Honors Ceremony


HONOREES
:
Lifetime Service to Wrestling:
Terry Brockland
Frank Fuder
Brian K. Jones
Michael Madry
Jon Vogt
Jeremy Walton

Medal of Courage:
Chris Hixon

Florida Chapter John Vaughn Award:
Ricky Marcus


LOCATION
:
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort
1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE HOTEL ROOMS

Mail in Event only Registration

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



Florida Chapter News

Latest Florida Chapter News

Green is Our Favorite Color

From Our Point of View

From our point of view age matters.

The 2025 Florida High School Athletic Association boys state championships turned 60, the girls turned four and the Florida State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will be 26 years old in August.

Florida Wrestling Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2025 Inductees

The Florida Wrestling Hall of Fame has announced that its Class of 2025 is Joe Cozart, Earl Hall Jr, Brandon Hatchett, Russ Schenk, Mike Schyck, Mark Free, Jonathan Taylor and Dustin DeNunzio.

The Next Level Scholarship is Back

For the sixth year, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter is offering a scholarship opportunity to boys and girls Florida wrestlers.

The $1000 scholarship opportunity is available to any qualified athlete who will continue their wrestling career at the collegiate level.

A Coach In Wrestling and Life: Southwest Florida Wrestling Legend Kris Hayward Passes Away

Kris Hayward, who received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016, passed away on January 8 after battling health issues in recent years.

Congratulations to the Florida Chapter's Class of 2025.

Congratulations to the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.

Honors Weekend 2024: Pressed Suits, Pressed Ties, and 7 Inductees that ImPRESSED

The Florida Chapter celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a record 430 attendees while honoring its Class of 2024: Sal Basile, Jim Dailey Jr., Michael Graham, Dan Moody, Pat Ryan, Ryland Wagner, and Mike Pedersen.

Dirty South Podcast: Jason Fulmore and Dan Ward Cover NWHOF News

Jason Fulmore of SE Wrestling and Dan Ward of Ward Wrestling talk about the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Class of 2024.

Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations