Honoring Wisconsin's Wrestling Legacy

Celebrating the People Behind Wisconsin Wrestling

Wisconsin takes great pride in the individuals who have shaped its rich wrestling history. Bob Olson of New Richmond, a 2006 inductee into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (NWHoF) for Lifetime Service to Wrestling, has meticulously documented the names and coaching years of more than 6,000 head wrestling coaches in the state, with records dating back to 1935. As of 2025, nearly 200 coaches and contributors have been honored by induction into the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame, while over 140 have received recognition from the Wisconsin Chapter of the NWHOF.

Among these distinguished individuals are the late Bob Spicuzza of Milwaukee and Ed Stech of West Allis, who dedicated over five decades to mentoring and guiding young men through the sport. Many other coaches have also devoted more than 40 years to fostering athletic and personal growth in their athletes. Some have made remarkable contributions despite facing challenges that would have deterred even the most determined among us. Wisconsin’s wrestling legacy also includes trailblazing women such as Doreen Reinwand of Lodi, Jill Gurtner of Middleton, and Alyssa Lampe, who have gained respect not only for their competitive achievements but also for their expertise and accomplishments as wrestling officials.

Hall of Fame Tribute at Woodside Sports Complex

Inspired by these remarkable achievements, a group of Wisconsin’s Alumni Coaches—known as the Sages and endorsed by the Wisconsin Wrestling Association—have established a Hall of Fame tribute display at the Woodside Sports Complex Dome in Wisconsin Dells. The venue, owned by UCLA alumnus and former wrestler Damon Zumwalt from Los Angeles, regularly hosts both state and national wrestling tournaments.

NWHOF Lifetime Service honorees Don, Dale, and Steve Evans of EVCO Plastics (Deforest), Tom Talbot of Glen Oak Lumber and Milling (Portage), and Terry Shockley of Shockley Group Inc. (Madison) have all recognized the importance of preserving Wisconsin’s wrestling history. Through generous donations of their time, financial support, and expertise, they have helped make this tribute a reality. The Camera Company in Madison partnered with committee members to design and produce the commemorative plaques, while Rod Ballweg of RB Remodeling (Middleton) and Shawn Kazda (Waunakee), a CAD technician, crafted the final display. This collective effort stands as a meaningful tribute to the pioneers who have advanced Wisconsin wrestling.

Ongoing Support and Preservation Efforts

Additional Lifetime Service Honorees, including Don Hartman (Osceola), Gary Gutknecht (Riverdale), Al Bauman (Mineral Point), Tom McGarvie (Watertown), as well as members of the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association (WWCA) Executive Board and other dedicated individuals, have offered their support and assistance whenever called upon.

Safeguarding Wrestling Memories for Future Generations

The WWA Alumni have been actively collecting, organizing, and safeguarding wrestling materials, literature, publications, and photographs to ensure that these resources are available for future generations of wrestling enthusiasts. They envision a dedicated facility where over 80 years of Wisconsin wrestling relics and records can be preserved and displayed. Above all, these efforts exemplify the spirit of teamwork that has always characterized the state's wrestling community.