When Jeffery W. Arnold was in the eighth grade his football coach suggested that he take up wrestling during the offseason to stay in shape and keep a competitive edge.

This began a love of the sport that has spanned over 50 years.

As a sophomore, Jeff became the first person in Virginia High School history to qualify for the state wrestling tournament. He went on to wrestle at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and Emory and Henry College. After his own impressive high school and college wrestling career ended, Jeff returned to Bristol, Virginia and joined the wrestling staff at his high school alma mater as an assistant coach. During his tenure, the team moved into the top five in the state.

Jeff began his career as a wrestling official in 1978 and he is still active today.

During his tenure he has called a great number of state tournament matches in both Tennessee and Virginia, and even had a short career as an NCAA official. Jeff has also called numerous AAU events, including the Elementary Duals and the Youth National Tournaments.

Fellow officials remember Jeff for telling them that “If you aren’t in this for the love of the sport, and the

benefit of the kids then you need to get out.”

After 29 years of dedicated service, Jeff retired from the Sherwin-Williams Company where he served in many roles, from store manager to sales representative and chemical coatings facility manager.

Jeff and his wife Denise live in Morristown, Tennessee. Their family has grown to include three children and four grandchildren.