The Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will hold its annual Hall of Fame banquet and induction ceremony at the DoubleTree Hotel in East Syracuse on Sunday, September 27th.

The Chapter is proud to announce the following individuals who have been selected to receive awards and induction to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame:

Wayne Bleau (posthumously) – coach, Fulton High School – Lifetime Service to Wresting

Dave Grazul – official – Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Gene Nighman – wrestler, coach, administrator – Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Howard Weller – coach, South Glens Falls – Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Elaine Krum – coach, volunteer – Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Mark Gumble – collegiate wrestler and coach – Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Todd Messsitt – wrestler, United States Army veteran – Outstanding American Award

The Chapter will also recognize outstanding upstate New York Class of 2026 student-athletes with five special awards at the September 27th banquet:

Charlie Wylie – Port Jervis High School (IX) – Tricia Saunders Award

Christopher Noto – Honeoye Falls-Lima High School (V) – Dave Schultz Award

Teagan McGuinnesss – Union-Endicott High School (IV) – Steve Silver Outstanding Female Wrestler

Griffin LaPlante – St. Francis High School (CHSAA) – Robert Feldmeier Division I Outstanding Wrestler

(co awardees) Christopher Noto – Honeoye Falls-Lime High School (V) and Tavio Hoose – Southwestern High School (VI) – Richard “Pete” Hausrath Division II Outstanding Wrestler