Order of Merit

The Order of Merit is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the sport of wrestling, but who is not an athlete or a coach.

The Order of Merit recipient is determined in a vote of Distinguished Members.

James L. Porter, MA, LAT, ATC

Incoming Class of 2026
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Van Stokes

Year: 2025
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Darryl Miller

Year: 2024
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Frank Popolizio

Year: 2023
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Michael Moyer

Year: 2022
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Gary Abbott

Year: 2021
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

David Curby

Year: 2019
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Nancy Schultz Vitangeli

Year: 2018
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Greg Hatcher

Year: 2017
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Ron Good

Year: 2016
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Dave "Doc" Bennett

Year: 2015
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Tim Johnson

Year: 2014
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

John Dustin

Year: 2013
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Al Bevilacqua

Year: 2012
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Sonny Greenhalgh

Year: 2011
Award: Order of Merit
Chapter: National

Our Mission: Preserve wrestling history, recognize extraordinary achievement and inspire greatness

Our Vision: Be the definitive steward and champion of wrestling history and achievement

Our Values: Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Service