Lou Giani's late start in the sport of wrestling did not lessen his impact on it. In fact, not only did he quickly "catch up" with his peers, but is now touted as the greatest high school wrestling coach in the state of New York.

A virtually self-taught wrestler, his competitive career did not begin until his junior year of high school. Defying the odds, Giani won an impressive 10 New York Athletic Club titles and more than 20 tournament titles in the United States. Representing the United States of America, he was a gold medalist at the Pan American Games in 1959 and a member of the United States Olympic team in 1960. Although his Olympic participation was cut short by a serious infection, his passion for the sport propelled him into the coaching arena.

After a 19-year career with the Grumman Aerospace Corporation during which Giani rose to Group Leader on the Lunar Escape Module (LEM) project for NASA, he took on teaching and coaching.

Under Coach Giani's leadership, his Huntington High School team captured the 2003 New York state championship, the eighth under his tutelage. The fact that there is only one state tournament, with 600 programs participating, accentuates the magnitude of these accomplishments. During his career, he has garnered an over-all coaching record of 319-21-1, has coached a record setting 22 individual state champions, and has been recognized three times by his peers as the New York Wrestling Coach of the Year.

Motivated by his commitment to wrestling, Giani pursued additional avenues to contribute to the sport. He launched two youth wrestling programs in Long Island designed to generate interest, enthusiasm, and participation. Through relationships fostered by the sport, he has also provided numerous opportunities to the underprivileged. With wrestling as the backdrop, he has worked the Giani "magic" instilling values, work ethic, and hope into the lives of young men both on and off the mat.

For his determination, excellence, and inspiration in the sport of wrestling, Louis "Lou" Giani is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.