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.

NEVADA CHAPTER BOARD

President - Jim Porter
Vice President - Theresa Johnson
Secretary - Becky Jeffries
Treasurer - Tim Jeffries

Eric Beye
Jim Duschen
Jeromy Mumm
Dave Nevin
Bill Rosado
Annie Zucker

Email Chapter:
nvchapter@nwhof.org

2025 NEVADA CHAPTER INDUCTIONS

Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Russell A. Leet

Russell Allen Leet has devoted more than 30 years to the sport of wrestling, impacting athletes at every level through his work as a competitor, coach, official, and mentor. Born on November 4, 1943, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Russell began his wrestling journey at Glenwood Community High School, where he earned Conference and Sectional Championships and placed multiple times at the AAU Nationals. He continued his wrestling career at Ellsworth Community College, serving as team captain and compiling an impressive record that demonstrated both skill and leadership.

Following his competitive years, Russell transitioned to coaching, where his influence grew exponentially. He served as assistant and head coach at several schools in Iowa, including Lewis Central High School, before moving to Las Vegas to coach at Bonanza High School. Over his career, Russell’s teams achieved a dual meet record of 277–95, with Southwest Division Championships, a State Runner-Up title, and multiple Academic State Championships. Under his guidance, his athletes earned numerous individual honors, including state championships and national recognition. Notable wrestlers he mentored include Grey Mayward, Frank Mir, and Adam Seward.

Beyond high school wrestling, Russell has contributed to the sport at the state and national levels. He has volunteered with Team Nevada, Nevada Freestyle/Greco-Roman programs, and USA Wrestling World Championships, while also training elite athletes, including several UFC fighters. His leadership has been recognized through awards such as Nevada Coach of the Year and service roles including SNICA President and SNWCA Vice-President.

Russell Leet’s lifelong dedication to wrestling exemplifies mentorship, leadership, and service. His work has not only produced successful athletes but has inspired generations to embrace the discipline, sportsmanship, and life lessons that wrestling instills giving reason as to why he is being honored as the Lifetime Service Recipient for the Nevada Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the sport.

Robert Northridge

Robert Northridge has dedicated more than four decades to the sport of wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on athletes, programs, and the wrestling community across Nevada. Northridge’s journey in wrestling began in high school at San Dieguito High School, where he compiled an impressive 52-11 record, earned First Team All-CIF San Diego Section honors, and served as team captain. He continued his wrestling career at Palomar Junior College, becoming a two-time Mission Conference Champion, and later at the UNLV where he set school records for most points in a match and fastest escape, while also serving as team captain.

Following his competitive career, Northridge committed himself to coaching, officiating, and contributing to wrestling at all levels. He began as an assistant coach at Valley High School in 1979 and quickly became head coach, a role he held from 1980 to 1987. Later, he guided Boulder City High School’s wrestling program as head coach from 1989 to 1995 and continued as assistant coach through 2005. His leadership produced numerous state champions, including Chris Lawdis and Bruce Ray, and his teams achieved multiple league championships and strong state finishes. From 2010 to 2023, Northridge served as regional and state tournament director with the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA), further shaping the sport’s growth across the state.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Northridge has been recognized nationally for his service and leadership. He is a Nationally Board Certified Athletic Administrator, recipient of the National State Award of Merit, and was inducted into both the Boulder City High School Golden Eagle Hall of Fame and the NIAA Hall of Fame. He remains actively involved in professional and civic organizations, including the Nevada Athletic Directors Association, National Interscholastic Athletic Administration, National Federation of High Schools, and the Boulder City Elks Lodge.

Robert Northridge’s lifelong dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the development of young athletes have profoundly influenced Nevada wrestling. He is honored as the recipient of the Lifetime Service Award, a fitting recognition of his remarkable contributions to the sport and his lasting impact on generations of wrestlers.

James L. Porter

Jim Porter has devoted more than five decades of his life to the sport of wrestling, earning a reputation as one of the most dedicated and influential figures in the wrestling and sports medicine communities. Born on April 8, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, Porter began his journey as a student-athlete at Valley High School and continued as a collegiate wrestler and athletic trainer at Taylor University. His early passion for athletics and sports medicine laid the foundation for a career defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to athlete safety and development.

Porter’s professional career spans 52 years, encompassing roles as an athletic trainer, coach, and medical coordinator for wrestling at every level. He began coaching at North Linn High School and South Tama High School in Iowa and served as an assistant coach at Drake University. Later, he guided the Rattlesnake Wrestling Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and coached at several Clark County public schools while simultaneously serving as an athletic trainer. In 1998, Porter relocated to Las Vegas, where he spearheaded the High School Athletic Training Outreach program, growing it from nine to 37 high schools, ensuring student-athletes received consistent, high-quality medical care.

Since 1981, Porter has been an integral part of USA Wrestling, providing medical support at 23 World Championships, 11 Olympic Trials, nine World Cups, and numerous national events. He has also served as medical coordinator for cadet and junior national championships, Olympic Trials, and the Cliff Keen Collegiate Wrestling Tournament. His expertise in sports medicine, injury prevention, and emergency care has made him a trusted resource for athletes, coaches, and event organizers across the country.

Porter’s leadership extends beyond the mat. He has served as Chairperson for the Nevada Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, coordinated weight certification and health protocols for the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA), and contributed to the education and development of athletic trainers nationwide. His efforts have directly impacted countless athletes, coaches, and medical professionals, advancing safety, fair competition, and the overall integrity of the sport.

Jim Porter’s extraordinary contributions to wrestling, spanning over five decades as a coach, athletic trainer, and medical coordinator at every level; have advanced the sport, ensured athlete safety, and inspired generations. His recent recognition as the 2026 National Order of Merit recipient underscores the impact of his lifelong dedication, making him truly deserving of the Lifetime Service Award from the Nevada Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Roger Schumann

Roger Schumann’s journey in wrestling began in high school, inspired by his uncle Richard Winn. After moving to Hawaii in 1962, he enrolled at Kaimuki High School in Honolulu, where he quickly turned a challenging environment into an opportunity through wrestling. By his senior year, he not only protected himself but also led his team to a league championship at just 17 years old. His performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Hawaii, where he competed for two years and developed a lifelong passion for coaching.

At the age of 18, Schumann began his coaching career at Kamehameha High School, a new wrestling program, guiding the team to a second-place finish in its inaugural season. His coaching journey continued across the country, including establishing a wrestling club at Louisiana State University, competing and coaching at San Diego State University, and leading teams to championships at Granite Hills High School and Monte Vista High School in California. Notably, he helped his teams place in the top three during the first three years of California’s State Wrestling Championships, a remarkable achievement in a “super state” with intense competition.

In 1975, Schumann returned to Hawaii, where he revitalized wrestling programs at Kohala High, Waiakea High, and Hilo High School. Under his leadership, Hilo High transformed from a winless team into Big Island champions three years in a row (1978–1980) and achieved top-five finishes at the state level. His ability to develop wrestlers and build strong programs became his hallmark, emphasizing leadership, discipline, and opportunity for all athletes.

In 1983, Schumann moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he took over the Clark High wrestling program and began running tournaments that provided opportunities for wrestlers of all levels. His innovative approach led to the creation of a junior varsity state-style tournament, which he ran for 24 years. This tournament became a beloved tradition, giving athletes a chance to compete and earn medals even if they were not varsity-level competitors. His commitment to fairness, sportsmanship, and athlete development has had a lasting impact on wrestling in Nevada.

Roger Schumann’s decades of dedication as a wrestler, coach, mentor, and tournament organizer have shaped generations of athletes and strengthened the sport at every level. For his unwavering commitment, his leadership, and his lifelong service to wrestling, he is truly deserving of the Lifetime Service Award from the Nevada Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Cyprian F. Vespe

Cyprian F. Vespe, known as Chip, has devoted decades to the sport of wrestling, leaving a lasting impact as an official, coach, mentor, and community leader in Nevada. His journey began in New Jersey, where he served as a youth wrestling coach and official at West Deptford Youth Wrestling from 1970 to 1979, instilling discipline, fairness, and sportsmanship in young athletes In 1980, Chip brought his expertise to Southern Nevada, officiating local and state wrestling tournaments through 2004. He also served as Rules Interpreter (1981‑1984) and Wrestling Assigner (1985‑2004) with the Southern Nevada Officials Association, roles in which he ensured the smooth and fair conduct of competitions while supporting the growth of wrestling across the state. His leadership and commitment created a strong foundation for scholastic wrestling in Nevada, shaping generations of athletes and officials.

Beyond the mat, Chip’s dedication extended into education. He served as an Instructional Assistant (1980‑1991) and Adapted Physical Education Specialist (1994‑2014) with the Clark County School District, developing inclusive programs for K‑5 students and collaborating with teachers and administrators to support safe and effective instruction. His work empowered students of all abilities, fostering leadership, teamwork, and confidence, values at the core of wrestling.

Chip also demonstrated exceptional organizational leadership in the broader community, serving as Operations Manager for Las Vegas Triple‑A Baseball (1990‑2018) and Ballpark Support Manager for the Las Vegas Aviators (2018‑2024). In these roles, he managed staff, coordinated large events, and ensured a positive experience for athletes, fans, and the public, extending his mentorship and leadership beyond wrestling into the community at large.

For decades, Chip Vespe has exemplified dedication, integrity, and service, making wrestling accessible, fair, and inspiring for young athletes throughout Nevada. His impact as an official, coach, educator, and mentor reflects the highest values of the sport. It is for these extraordinary contributions that he is rightfully honored with the Lifetime Service Award from the Nevada Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Outstanding American

Robert Cate

Rob Cate is a cornerstone of Nevada wrestling and one of the most respected leaders in the sport nationwide. As the State Director for USA Nevada Wrestling, he has guided the growth and success of countless athletes while transforming the structure and visibility of wrestling across the state. Under his leadership, Nevada has become one of the most organized and rapidly advancing wrestling communities in the western United States; a state fortunate to benefit from the skill, talent, and dedication of someone of his caliber.

Rob’s impact began at the grassroots level, where he helped found the Cimarron Memorial Bad Boys, the oldest standing youth wrestling team in Las Vegas. Built as a nonprofit organization, the team has served generations of athletes, instilling discipline, sportsmanship, and excellence; values that continue to define Nevada wrestling today.

Beyond administration, Rob devotes countless hours year-round to advancing the sport. He redesigns wrestling equipment, creates custom uniforms for teams across Nevada, as well as the state’s National Team, and ensures athletes have the best resources to compete at the highest level. Every weekend of the wrestling season, he leads the Southern Nevada Wrestling Association, overseeing tournaments, coaching support, and event management; giving his expertise, time, and energy tirelessly, without expectation of compensation. His commitment guarantees that every athlete has the opportunity to develop, compete, and succeed.

Nationally, Cate serves as Chairperson of the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Committee and a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee, helping shape the future of wrestling across America. It is remarkable that someone with the skill and experience to oversee the NCAA Championships, the US World Teams, and the Olympic Games chooses to dedicate himself to running youth tournaments every weekend, sharing his expertise and passion with the next generation of athletes.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication, Rob Cate has been selected as Wrestling Director for the 2028 Olympic Games; a testament to his integrity, vision, and unwavering devotion to the sport at every level.

Respected as a mentor, innovator, and servant leader, Rob Cate embodies the core values of USA Wrestling: dedication, leadership, and excellence. His tireless efforts have elevated Nevada wrestling, inspired generations of athletes, and strengthened the national wrestling community, making him a truly deserving recipient of the Outstanding American Award.

Inaugural Silver State Wrestling Outstanding Family

Elvira E. Garcia Family

For over four decades, the Garcia Family has stood as a pillar of excellence in Southern Nevada wrestling, producing state champions, placers, and generations of athletes dedicated to the sport. Their legacy began at Eldorado High School, where brothers Miguel, Gabriel, and Marcos Garcia launched a dynasty in the 1980s. Miguel and Gabriel earned state placings by 1984, and Marcos captured the 1987 Nevada State Championship at 138 lbs. Their achievements helped propel Eldorado to ten consecutive team titles, a national ranking as high as seventh, and recognition as one of the top programs in the country by WrestlingUSA.com, with an impressive 54 tournament victories.

Miguel Garcia continued the family tradition through more than 15 years of coaching youth and high school programs, mentoring his sons Miguel Jr., Roman, and Nathan, as well as countless athletes across the community. Nathan went on to win a state title at 119 lbs and led Las Vegas High School to consecutive team championships in 2010 and 2011. The next generation carried the legacy forward through Miguel’s twin sister Angel’s grandsons, Emilio and Israel Roybal. Emilio became a multiple-time regional and state placer and played a key role in SLAM Academy’s four consecutive state titles, while Israel now prepares to continue the family’s winning tradition.

The foundation of this enduring legacy was laid by Jose and Elvira Garcia, who emigrated from Mexico in the early 1960s. Their tireless support—selling tamales to fund equipment and travel—instilled in their family a deep commitment to hard work, integrity, and community. Across decades, the Garcias have given back to the sport through mentorship, youth programs, and opportunities for wrestlers from all backgrounds to succeed.

From Eldorado’s early dominance to the present success of programs at Las Vegas High School, SLAM Academy, and Aniciete Training Club, the Garcia Family’s influence has shaped the very culture of wrestling in Nevada. Their unparalleled dedication, leadership, and service to the sport make them the ideal recipients of the Inaugural Silver State Wrestling Outstanding Family Award, honoring a family whose legacy continues to inspire excellence, sportsmanship, and community pride.