PHIL ATKINSON is recognized for his years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling.

• Officiated 40 years
• 2000 Wrestling USA Magazine Referee of the Year
• Officiated NCAA Division Tournament 8 times

Phil wrestled for Sweet Home High School and was NAIA Champion and placed 4th in the PCC Championships. He coached Jr. High wrestling at Lebanon Jr. High School and compiled a record of 89-10-1.

For the next 40 years you would see Phil officiating high school and college matches, not only in Oregon, but also throughout the United States.

Beginning in 1964, Phil was a fixture at the State High School Championships. His college officiating honors are numerous, as he worked the PAC 10 National Qualifying Tournament 18 times. Phil refereed the Las Vegas Hall of Fame Cliff Keen Collegiate Tourney, the NAIA National Championship, and the Oregon Classic Finals, and in 1976 and 1979 officiated the East vs. West All American Collegiate Match. On 8 occasions he was named a NCAA Division I National Championship official.

For his dedication and lasting influence on wrestling, Phil Atkinson is presented the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award for the class of 2001.