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.

Tom Seeman

Year: 2020
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Ellis Swopes

Year: 2020
Award: Medal of Courage
Chapter: Illinois

Mike Wilkey

Year: 2020
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Colonel D.K. Carpenter

Year: 2019
Award: Outstanding American
Chapter: Illinois

Gary Cook

Year: 2019
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Trevor Elliott

Year: 2019
Award: Medal of Courage
Chapter: Illinois

Bob Nesbit

Year: 2019
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Haig Nighohosian

Year: 2019
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Dennis Ragan

Year: 2019
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Ron Ryan

Year: 2019
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Jim Turner

Year: 2019
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Dave Froehlich

Year: 2018
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Tim Haak

Year: 2018
Award: Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter: Illinois

Dr. Prentiss Lea

Year: 2018
Award: Outstanding American
Chapter: Illinois

Steve Marianetti

Year: 2018
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