Ben Kohlhafer, born in 1911, started his wrestling career at age 18 at the Central YMCA near his home in Baltimore. The Baltimore YMCA was a mecca of wrestling in the decades between 1920 and 1970 while wrestling programs were scarce in both high schools and colleges. Hundreds took advantage of the great coaching and competition including Distinguished Members of the National Hall of Fame: Johnny Eareckson and Doug Lee. 00 Ben's coaching career began in 1932 when coaching and wrestling for Germania Turnverein. He continued to coach in 1938 at the Adonis Wrestling Club. In 1943, Ben coached the Central YMCA'a Junior Wrestling Team and then became Head Coach for the Y's Men's Team from 1950 to 1970. Ben coached, refereed, and was tournament director for every South and Central Atlantic and AAU Tournament that was held. Five of his wrestlers: Ernie Fisher, Ed Kelly, Ray Haney, Beryle Cohen and Al Kohlhafer were inducted into the Maryland National Hall of Fame. In 1951, Ben became a charter member of the MWOA and refereed until 1959. He also started a Junior League Wrestling Team at Christ Lutheran Church in 1966 for under privileged boys. In order to help support his family of seven, Ben quit school at an early age. He met his wife, Irma, and when he was in his 40's they moved to Irvington. Ben worked the midnight shift at Western Electric. Besides coaching wrestling, he devoted time to his community by starting the Irvington Boys Club and coaching football, baseball and softball. Moreover, he refereed, kept score or umpired. Ben did this for 25 years while raising a family with two athletic sons, Dick and Al. He did all this without a car, not driving until he was in his 50's. In the 1960's, Ben turned his attention to coaching for the Yale Heights Boys Club. His job ethic at Western Electric was exemplified by a 42 year career without ever missing a day of work. He was Social Minister of his Church and the Men's Bible Class Teacher. He was also a member of the Church Council and Financial Board for many years, all while visiting the sick and elderly. Ben Kohlhafer never sought praise for all the wonderful things he did for the hundreds of young men who were fortunate to have known him.