State Chapter Awards

State Chapters recognize deserving individuals with the Lifetime Service to Wresting award, the Outstanding American award and the Medal of Courage award.

Lifetime Service To Wrestling

Given in recognition of 20 years or more of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in the youth through the sport of wrestling.

Outstanding American

Given to former wrestlers who are highly successful in other walks of life and use the disciplines learned in wrestling in their profession.

Medal of Courage

Presented to a former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable challenges.

George Dyche

Year: 2004
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Robert Emmons

Year: 2004
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Joseph Pedersen

Year: 2004
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Terry Stanton

Year: 2004
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Gene Swierczewski

Year: 2004
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Charles Anderson

Year: 2003
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Les Armes

Year: 2003
Award: Medal of Courage
Chapter: Illinois

Jim Bowers

Year: 2003
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

James Gardner

Year: 2003
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Don Pittman

Year: 2003
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Harold (Sam) Samorian

Year: 2003
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Ted DeRousse

Year: 2002
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

John George

Year: 2002
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Tom Heniff

Year: 2002
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Henry Pillard

Year: 2002
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations