Florida Chapter
Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Florida Board Members Finding Time
When you peel back the layers of responsibility of a NWHOF Florida board member, you find people rooted in the fabric of the Florida wrestling community.
Board Member and Administrative Assistant, Cecelia Solomon, is the point person for communications with members of the future Class of 2024. In its second year she serves in the same capacity for the Florida Wrestling Hall of Fame (FLWHOF), founded by NWHOF Florida Alumni, Bob Walker (2003). Its mission is to recognize the state’s outstanding scholastic wrestlers. Cecelia compiles inductee biographies, photos, makes press releases and passes information related to the May induction ceremony. She forwards her work on to NWHOF Florida, Media Services board member, Coach Robert Thomas (2017). He operates the FLWHOF website. Coach also directs the annual Seminole Slam held at Southeast High School and at neighboring tournaments he runs mat side clocks or switches out to become the ‘official tapper’. NWHOF Florida Development Director Jeff Malavsky (2019 ) serves on the board for the Southwest Chapter of ‘Wrestlers in Business Network’. NWHOF Florida Head of Operations, Coach Bill Combs has a tournament named in his honor. He directs this event held in his hometown of Brooksville. Bill still holds an occasional camp for area programs. He currently sits on the FLWHOF Board of Directors. NWHOF Florida Officials Director Jim Smoot came out of retirement to work matches for the Sunshine Officials Association and Florida wrestling. Sal Basile, NWHOF Florida Boys Director is the current head coach for the Tampa Jesuit Tigers, a state power.
Our endeavors outside of Board duties, are reflected in all the state chapters. See you at the next event.
Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations