Establishing the standard of excellence for wrestling announcers across the country and around the world, Ed Aliverti has made his own unique contribution to the sport.

From high school dual meets to the Olympic Games, he has been a leader in wrestling's vast army of volunteers for nearly four decades, and has brought a new dimension to the sport with his emphasis on spectator interest and crowd involvement.

No longer is the announcer merely one who calls contestants to a mat, their efforts there too often obscured by a lack of identity. Aliverti helped turn the wrestling match into a total performance, the ultimate in competition before an informed, enthusiastic group of observers. His enthusiasm radiates throughout the arena, calling immediate attention to noteworthy performers and to rapidly developing situations.

He accords every athlete the dignity many bestow only upon champions. Proper pronunciation of every name is the first law of his personal code. And he has added prestige and protocol to the presentation of awards. For every hour at the microphone, there are many of preparation.

In high school at Walla Walla, Washington, and college at Washington State, Aliverti never donned wrestling togs, but concentrated instead on vocal music. That, too, is evident when he sings The Star Spangled Banner and the anthems of other countries to open wrestling events.

He has been lead announcer of the NCAA Championships since 1973, and of the NAIA nationals since 1981. He so impressed international executives with his work at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles that his credits now include the Games of four Olympiads, more than a dozen World Championships and 100-plus national and international events.

As a worldwide ambassador, Aliverti has seized every opportunity to hail wrestling as "The Oldest and Greatest Sport." For elevating the sport to a higher level, Edward Gene Aliverti is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.