Since 1965, Mel Ardis has been devoted to wrestling as a competitor, coach, and official. 

Born and raised in Baltimore, he began wrestling in middle school at the Sparrows Point Wrestling Club. At Patapsco High School, he climaxed his high school career by placing in the state tournament. 

Success continued in college at Towson State where Ardis won the Mason-Dixon Conference championship and qualified for and placed in the Top 16 at the Small College Nationals in Oswego, New York. 

After graduating in 1975, Ardis moved to Virginia to begin a 30-year career teaching physical education and coaching multiple sports with the Henrico County Public Schools. 

After leading his team to a middle school championship, Ardis was named head wrestling coach for Henrico High School. He led the Warriors to district and regional titles and produced the school’s only individual Virginia state champion, Tim Holmes, in 1982. 

Upon earning his master’s degree in education, Ardis began the longest phase of his career when he left teaching and coaching to move into administration in Henrico County. It also began his career as an official and membership in the Central Virginia Wrestling Officials Association. 

Ardis officiated from 1982 to 2009 and was selected by his peers to work many big events, including Virginia state tournaments for A, AA and AAA and independent schools. 

He became a leader in the CVWOA and served as commissioner from 1989 to 2009. Ardis worked with other commissioners in the state to improve communication and standards for officials statewide. The commissioners also shared officials to different regions, allowing them to develop not only consistency but also comradery. The program was very successful and continues to this day. 

Ardis left officiating in 2009, but did not retire. Instead, he became the scheduling officer for CVWOA, a position he continues to serve in. 

Mel is proud and grateful for his family, his wife of 35 years, Jenny, and their son, Josh, his wife Natalie, and their new granddaughter, Kaylin, who live in the Florida Keys.