Virginia Chapter

Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

We are accepting nominations for our 2027 class in three categories - Lifetime Service Award, Outstanding American, and Medal of Courage. See details and nomination form below.

Each year we also recognize the Coach of the Year, Official of the Year and Student-Athletes of the Year.

The annual ceremony is held in April, but we are moving to a new location this year. Stay tuned for details.

Sponsors:

If you are interested in sponsoring the event,
Contact Mark Ingrao at mingrao@verizon.net

Virginia Chapter Honorees

Latest Virginia Chapter Inductees

Steve Castle

Year: 2026
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Tim Hoden

Year: 2026
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Emmit McHenry

Year: 2026
Outstanding American

Greg Jenkins

Year: 2026
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Tim Pierson

Year: 2026
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Mike Stefanko

Year: 2026
Lifetime Service to Wrestling

Latest High School Excellence Award Winners

Jared Goodson

Year: 2026
Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award

Sophia Slaughter

Year: 2026
Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award

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.

Download Virginia Nomination Form


Virginia Chapter Board

Contact:  vachapter@nwhof.org

Karl Spinnenweber (President)
Mark Ingrao (Vice President)
Phil Cronin (Treasurer)
Steve Crocker (Secretary)
Mitch Sutterfield (Program)
Jack Clark (Marketing)
Paul Anthony
Drew Bright
Mike Caison
Nancy Perry
Tass Robertson
John Swartz
Talena Williams

Krista Graff (State Chapter Director) kgraff@nwhof.org

Virginia Chapter Inductions

Websites & Social Media:

Virginia Chapter Facebook Page
I Wrestled in Virginia Facebook Group
Pictures from Past Induction Ceremonies

Wrestling Friends

Wrestlers in Business Network – DC
Virginia Wrestling Association

Virginia Chapter News

Latest Virginia Chapter News

Virginia Chapter Announces New Board Members Dr. Talena Williams & John Swartz

The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Talena Williams and John Swartz to its Board of Directors, adding two respected leaders whose decades of service have helped shape wrestling across the Commonwealth.

Both Williams and Swartz were previously recognized by the Virginia Chapter with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award, honoring individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the sport.

Virginia Announces 2026 Honorees

The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is grateful for all those that poured their lives into Virginia's youth. Wrestling is a special calling that instills courage, discipline, and hard work.

Steve Castle, Tim Hoden, Greg Jenkins, Tim Pierson and Mike Stafanko will be presented with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award while Emmit McHenry will be honored as an Outstanding American.

Virginia State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Virginia Celebrates 2024 HOF Class

The Virginia Chapter celebrated the 2024 inductees including Rick Boyd, Johnny Curtis, Dr. James Diehl, Brian Harman, Matt Small, Raymond Webb and Dr. Talena Williams at the HOF banquet in April.

Virginia Announces 2023 Lifetime Service Award Honorees

The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honored to announce five inductees for the Class of 2023 - Johnny Blevins, David Olah, Ed Rawlins, Dean Shew, and Bill Turner will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award.

2020ne Virginia Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductees

2019 Virginia Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductees

Save the Date for the 2019 Virginia Honors Banquet

Our Mission: Preserve wrestling history, recognize extraordinary achievement and inspire greatness

Our Vision: Be the definitive steward and champion of wrestling history and achievement

Our Values: Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Service