New York - Upstate Chapter

Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

The future of American society depends upon the existence of a strong citizenry, comprised of individuals with leadership qualities based upon self-discipline, self-reliance, and self-confidence. The sport of wrestling helps build these characteristics in youth, regardless of their physical, economic, cultural, or geographic backgrounds. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum seeks to broaden the understanding and development of these values in the following manner:

  1. Through recognition of those who have demonstrated these characteristics while achieving or developing excellence in the sport as wrestlers, coaches, and contributors.
  2. Through recognition of those who have demonstrated these characteristics while achieving excellence in other walks of life after participating in wrestling.
  3. Through the maintenance of documentation and memorabilia that depicts and preserves the history of the sport.
  4. Through stimulation and encouragement of those who establish and conduct activities at all levels nationwide.
  5. Through the development of State Chapters that will continuously strive to enhance the image of the sport of wrestling at the state and national levels.

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.

Upstate NY Chapter Nomination Forms:

Lifetime Service Nomination Form

Outstanding American Nomination Form

Medal of Courage Nomination Form

Volunteer Nomination Form

Stanbro Media Nomination Form

New York - Upstate Chapter Board

Carl KoenigPresident
Fred Brown, Don DeBadts, Stan Elinsky, Pat Greene, Pete Hausrath, Reed Hawke, Tim Herman, Michael Hogan, Jim Howard, Jeanne Jackson, Eric Knuutila, Don Kovalchik, Cark Koenig, John Kopalek, Jack LaBombard, Frank Marotta, Dr. Thomas Martin, Ed Michael, Bob Zifchock, Jennie Jackson, Michael Hogan

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New York - Upstate Chapter Inductions

The Upstate New York State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame would like to announce their new inductees into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and this year's winner of the Outstanding American Award.

This year we take great pride in recognizing the individuals who will be honored on September 24, 2023 at the Double Tree Hotel in East Syracuse, New York. The individuals who will be receiving the Lifetime Service Award at this occasion are:

  • Robert Coppola - high school coach Central Square in Section III
  • Gary Edwards - high school coach at Peru Central School in Section VII
  • Kevin Gallagher - high school coach at Minisink Valley Central in Section IX
  • Dave Hickson - national wrestling official
  • John Leone - high school coach at Penfield Central School in Section V
  • Tom Stanbro - high school coach in Greene Central School in Section IV

Other Awards:

  • Jack Romagnoli (Outstanding American Award) - former coach at Canastota High School and wrestler at St. Lawrence University
  • James Johnson (Stanbro Media Award) - Rochester Democrat & Chronicle


New York - Upstate Chapter News

Latest New York - Upstate Chapter News

State College of Cortland Plans to Recognize All Graduates Inducted into NWHOF

The Upstate New York Chapter has learned that the State College of Cortland is planning to honor all of their past state inductees of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Currently, there are 29 Cortland graduates recognized.

NWHOF Upstate New York Chapter Set to Present Awards at 2023 Ceremony

The Upstate New York Chapter will recognize several individuals at the 2023 ceremony for their contributions to wrestling in New York.

Upstate New York Chapter Adds New Board Members

Welcome to Upstate New York Board Mike Fusilli, Cheyenne Sisenstein, Anthony Servidone, Kristen Clark, and Matt O’Rourke. Thank you Jack LaBombard, Don Debadts, and Don Kovalchik for you service.

John Leone to be Honored in Upstate New York Class of 2023

John Leone and the rest of the Class of 2023 will be recognized September 24th.

2023 Honoree Tom Stanbro

Tom Stanbro comes from a wrestling family that includes two Upstate New York Chapter’s Hall of Famers. Tom started his wrestling career under his father at Johnson City and then Oswego State where for Coach Jim Howard.

Upstate New Chapter Focuses Exhibit at NY Boys' Championship on D1 NCAA Champions

During the New York State Boys’ Championships, the Upstate New York Chapter presented an exhibit covering all the Division I NCAA National Champions who hailed from the upstate area.

Upstate New York Announces Class of 2023

The Upstate New York Chapter of the NWHOF would like to present the 2023 honorees for this year’s ceremony on September 24, 2023 at the Double Tree Hotel in Syracuse, NY.

First Girls Invitational Wrestling Tournament held at the SRC Arena

On January 27, 2024 many of the girls who wrestled as certified wrestlers by the NYSPHAA participated in an unofficial wrestling tournament sponsored by the NYSPHSAA.

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