Perhaps no man in the history of Illinois wrestling has been more involved than Dr. Vernon "Art" Adams of Normal, Illinois.

Dedicated to education, and just as much so to wrestling, Dr. Adams has served the sport of wrestling in Illinois as a coach, administrator, official, rules interpreter, and as a member of the Illinois High School Association's wrestling advisory committee. He wrote a column, The Third Man, for the original Illinois state wrestling publication, The Word.

Dr. Adams career in wrestling began at Illinois State University as a member of the late Dr. Gene Hill's team. His high school, Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois, did not offer wrestling when he attended.

He had a long tenure at Ottawa Township High School, beginning as a teacher and wrestling coach and then as an administrator. Dr. Adams served as a member of the president's staff at ISU, serving as the director of community college and external relations.

Dr. Adams is probably best known for his outstanding work as an official and rules expert. He officiated five IHSA state championships and also assisted in the conduct of the weigh-ins at the IHSA state tournament.

He was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame in 1976 and served as the Grand Marshall for the IHSA state tournament in 1979.