Bill Hadsell came from a family of seven boys and wrestling was a way of life for the Hadsell family with all the boys wrestling. His brother Dick was a member of the first Section V team representing the section at the NYSPHSAA championships in 1968. Additionally, brother Bruce was a New York State Champion in 1973 and brother Robert finished 3rd in 1973 and 8th in 1978. Bill would place 4th in the 1980 state championship for Canandaigua Academy, and all the boys wrestled for legendary Coach Weldon Canough. While in high school Bill served as the team captain for the Braves, who were Section V team champions in 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980, and he was selected as the Most Valuable Wrestler for Canandaigua in his senior year.

Bill would start his collegiate career at the University of Buffalo for Hall of Fame Coach Ed Michael in 1980-81. Then finish up his college wrestling career grappling for another Hall of Fame coach, John Murray, and the Ithaca Bombers. His 1989 and 1990 Ithaca College teams were Division III NCAA champions and in 1991 Bill would become an All-American for the Bombers finishing eighth in the 190 pound weight class. Furthermore, he was selected the Most Outstanding Wrestler and served as the captain of the squad.

Coach Hadsell started his coaching career in the Geneva City School system in 1993. He served as the coach at Geneva from 1993 to 2009 and during his tenure there he was named the 1996 Section V Coach of the Year. In addition, Coach Hadsell guided his first state champion, Bill Payne, to the 155 pound championship for the Panthers. Bill would later coach Owen and Craig Scott to state championships at Pal-Mac in 2011. In his illustrious coaching career, he has coached 12 NYSPHSAA place winners including five finalists. On the sectional level Hadsell has coached 34 class champions as well as numerous champions of local wrestling tournaments. As result of his distinguished career as a wrestler and coach, Bill has been selected to the Canandaigua Academy Athletic Hall of Fame, the Geneva Sports Hall of Fame and last year he entered the Section V Wrestling Hall of Fame. Coach Hadsell has also coached girls' soccer, girls' and boys' tennis. Recently he has guided the Fishback brothers, Ryan and Drew, to inspiring finishes in the NYSPHSAA Tennis Championships - Ryan finished 1st in 2019 and 4th, and Drew placed 3rd last year as a sophomore. This year Bill guided Drew to the NYSPHSAA Championship at USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, the home of the US Tennis Open. Hadsell has truly made an impressive impact as a coach at many sports and levels.

On the administrative level of the sport, Bill has served as the Finger Lakes League Chairman and the Section V Class chairman for 10 years where he established an extraordinary record. His work as a class chairperson enabled him to make a seamless transition into the role of the New York Public High School Athletic Association's Section V Wrestling Coordinator. There he has established himself as a highly respected and esteemed coordinator. Kathy Hoyt, Executive Director of Section V, stated that "his positive rapport with all - athletes, coaches, officials, assignors, committee members and administrators is exceptional." And "all sectional tournaments are run efficiently and effectively each year." Bill record is impeccable!

Bill has indicated that he owes a great deal to his high school coach Weldon Canough and his collegiate college John Murray. These men were very instrumental in his development as both a wrestler and person. In addition, he gives credit to all his brothers but especially Bruce, who helped with his growth and maturity. He feels that the most important life lesson that wrestling teaches is that of "taking responsibility for yourself."

The Upstate New York Chapter of the NWHOF is privileged and proud to welcome William Hadsell into their Hall of

Fame for all that he has done for wrestling in his section and state.