The Gem State of Idaho has had many outstanding wrestlers, coaches, officials, and volunteers nominated to the Idaho Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Annually, inductees are presented awards in the following categories, Lifetime Service to Wrestling, Distinguished Members, Order of Merit for significant contributions to the advancement of the sport of wrestling, Outstanding American, Medal of Courage, and for high school level athletes the Dave Schultz (boys) and Tricia Saunders (girls) Excellence Awards. This year’s class features a group of outstanding coaches that have been an integral part of Idaho wrestling for many decades, dating back to the 1960s. They include Chris Owens, Lonny Dahlke, Clayton Armstrong, and Travis Bell. Also receiving recognition for the 2022 high school excellence awards is All-Americans Rylan Rogers (Coeur d’ Alene) and Marissa Jimenez (Caldwell).

Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame has been the showcase of the nation’s best athletes, coaches, and volunteers to the sport since 1976. Their mission has been to preserve history, recognized excellence, and inspire future generations.  

THE CLASS OF 2022 – GUEST INVITATION

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Idaho Chapter, cordially invites you to attend our Induction Banquet on Sunday, September 24th in Pocatello, Idaho. The Banquet begins with a social at 4:00 pm followed by the dinner at 5:15 pm and Awards Ceremony immediately following.

We are very proud to present the following distinguished candidates for induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Our honorees for “Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award” are Clayton Armstrong of Pocatello, Travis Bell of Chubbuck, Lonny Dahlke of Downey, and Chris Owens of Boise. These honorees are being recognized for their inspirational leadership, example, and dedication to the oldest and greatest sport, wrestling.

Registration for the Awards Banquet: $50 per guest. Guest may purchase tickets electronically by completing the online registration form located at:

TICKET LEAP: https://id-nwhof.ticketleap.com

Tickets should be purchased before September 20, 2022; however, if seating is available, tickets may be purchased at the door. Tickets should be printed online; and name(s) will be placed on a list as soon as payment is received.

BANQUET ADDRESS:

-         Red Lion Hotel, 1555 Pocatello Creek Rd., Pocatello, ID 83201

A block of discounted rooms has been set aside on a first come, first served bases, for your guests at:

-         Red Lion Hotel, 1555 Pocatello Creek Rd., Pocatello, ID 83201

We are looking forward to September 24th, 2022. This will be a great day for Idaho’s outstanding honorees and the sport of wrestling. Idaho can be proud!

2022 HONOREES – BIOGRAPHIES

CHRIS OWENS – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. A 1988 graduate of Idaho Falls High School is among the top prep wrestlers to have every set foot on the mat in the Gem State. Finishing his prep career with an undefeated 123-0 record, Owens became the first wrestler to win four state championships in Idaho’s largest division. Additionally, Owens earned First Team High School All-American honors with ASICS Tiger, Amateur Wrestling News, and was selected for Wrestling USA Magazine’s Dream Team. Moreover, he represented Team USA at the prestigious Dapper Dan Classic versus the Pennsylvania All-Stars, winning his match by decision, 7-5 in the dual. At the collegiate level, Owens competed for national power Oklahoma State University and earned a Big 8 title, two NCAA Division I All-American honors, and reached the Championship finals in 1992. He was also a member of the 1990 NCAA Championship team. Post college, Owens returned back to Idaho and coached for over 20 years at Boise State University (1995 to 2017). As Head Assistant Coach, he was instrumental in leading the Broncos to several PAC 10/12 Team Championships, producing multiple individual conference champions, All-Americans, including NCAA Champions Kirk White and Ben Cherrington. Additionally, in 1995, Owens joined the Idaho National Team staff for Freestyle and Greco-Roman, preparing high school level kids for the Fargo USA Nationals. Then in 2017, Owens became the Development Coach and Director of Operations for Idaho USA Wrestling. During his tenure, Team Idaho has produced 286 Fargo Freestyle and Greco-Roman All-Americans, 41 National Champions, multiple Folkstyle All-Americans and Champions, Folkstyle National team titles in 2021 and 2022, and in 2022 had top 4 team finishes in the Fargo Junior Freestyle (4th) and Greco-Roman (3rd) divisions, the highest finishes in state history. Owens is a USA Wrestling Silver Certified coach and in 2021 was presented the National Youth Development Coach-of-the-Year Award for Greco-Roman wrestling by USA Wrestling at the Fargo Nationals.

LONNY DAHLKE – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. Lonny began his wrestling career in the early 1960s, winning a District title for Marsh Valley High School in 1965 and in the same season was part of the school’s first state championship team in the Class A division. A graduate of Idaho State University in 1971, Dahlke began his coaching career shortly after college and then introduced the sport of wrestling at McCammon Elementary School. The following season, he returned to his high school alma mater as an Assistant Coach. A year later, Dahlke became the Head Coach at Marsh Valley and from that point forward continued his coaching and teaching journey for the next 30 years. During his tenure as a teacher and coach, he also became the first wrestling coach at Marsh Valley Junior High School in 1975, as well as coached freshman football. In addition to his teaching and coaching responsibilities, Dahlke was the Athletic Director at Marsh Valley from 2006 to 2013, an assessor to certify wrestlers for the IHSAA, and was an active volunteer and staff member with the running of the Idaho State High School Championships. For all his efforts, Dahlke was presented the 5th District Coach-of-the-Year Award in 1983 and a year prior to his retirement from coaching was recognized as the 3A Coach-of-the-Year in 2005.

CLAYTON ARMSTRONG – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. The surname Armstrong has been a fixture in the Pocatello community for many decades. One such Armstrong that has made a huge impact to the Pocatello community is Clayton Armstrong. Going undefeated in 1978, Armstrong won the Idaho High School State Championships after finishing runner-up twice and completed his prep career with a 95-7 record. Additionally, Armstrong was a three-time Idaho State Freestyle Champion. Graduating from Boise State in 1984, Armstrong was a Big Sky Conference Champion for the Broncos in 1982 and shortly thereafter began his coaching career at Pocatello High School. While at Pocatello, his teams won Idaho State Team titles in 1990, ’91, and ’92. Additionally, he was awarded the A-1 Large School Coach-of-Year the same seasons. Armstrong also coached at Irving Middle School from 1985 to 2013. During this long tenure at Irving, he coached 16 consecutive All-City Championship teams and produced an impressive record of 202 wins and 3 losses. Moreover, he coached three state middle school championship teams from 2009 to 2011. In 1983, Armstrong started the Pocatello Grapplers Wrestling Club with Dick Fleischmann and continued coaching at the club level until 1998. He also coached middle school football (1984-’93) and Cross Country (2011-’17). Other notable accolades include being the East Idaho USA Wrestling President (1987-’88), starting the “Dick Fleischmann Classic Dual Wrestling Tournament (still running), and in 2001, started, organized and ran one of the largest Middle School Invitational tournament in Idaho, which fielded teams from Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. His teams won the Invitational 9 out of 13 times.

TRAVIS BELL – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. Ted has had quite an impressive career as an athlete, coach, and volunteer in the sport of wrestling. During his prep career at Highland High School, Bell was a three-time Idaho State Champion, four-time state placer, and made the USA Wrestling High School Academic All-American team in 1988. After graduating from Highland High School with a 4.0 GPA and Co-Valedictorian honor, Bell continued his mat career at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho (Now Brigham Young – Idaho). While at Ricks College, Bell earned two National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American honors (2nd, 3rd), two Northwest NJCAA Regional titles, and was presented the Ricks College Outstanding Wrestler Award in 1989. Graduating from Idaho State University in 1995, Bell taught and coached at his alma mater and during his coaching tenure had state team runner-up finishes in 2009 and 2010, multiple team titles at invitationals, and coached 82 individual state placers, and 9 individual State Champions. Bell also coached the Ram Wrestling Club from 1995 to 2015 and was awarded the District V-VI Coach-of-the-Year twice (2008, ’12). Other notable achievements include becoming the Vice Principal at Highland and receiving the Highland High School Teacher-of-the-Year Award (2004), 5A IHSAA Athletic Director-of-the-Year Award (2019), and directing the Idaho State High School Tournament from 2013 to 2019.

2022 HIGH SCHOOL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

RYLAN ROGERS – Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award. Rated among the top 195 pound wrestlers in the country, Rogers is a 2x Idaho State Champion (5A) for Coeur d’ Alene High School, 2x Fargo All-American/finalist, and National Prep Champion for Blair Academy his sophomore season. Graduating in June, Rogers will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall.  

The Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award, presented annually to a male high school senior, is based equally on outstanding wrestling success, scholastic achievement and citizenship or community service.

MARISSA JIMENEZ – Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award. A true Pioneer of girl’s wrestling in the Gem State of Idaho, Marissa Jimenez of Caldwell High School is 3x State Champion and 4x finalist. Rated among the top prep wrestlers in the country, Jimenez also earned All-American honors at the Cadet Nationals, Fargo Nationals, and earned Gold at the Cadet Pan American Games. Graduating in Junego, Jimenez has signed to compete for Oklahoma City University.

The Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award, presented annually to a female senior, is based equally on outstanding wrestling success, scholastic achievement and community service. 

In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees listed above, two Idaho coaches were recently recognized by the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA). They include 2022 HOF inductee Travis Bell, who received the Dick Fleishman Memorial award and 2016 HOF inductee, Bill Cooper, receiving the Wes Lowe Memorial award.

In closing, congratulations to the Class of 2022 National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductees and High School Excellence Award winners representing the Gem State of Idaho. Definitely a great group of coaches that have given so much to the sport of wrestling and an exceptional duo of senior prep wrestlers. Please get your tickets ASAP and support this exceptional group. Additionally, below is the biographies of the Class of 2021 and High School Excellence Award winners from the same year. Although an induction ceremony was held during the COVID-19 pandemic period, their biographies were not posted in a newsletter to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The Class of 2021 is another great group of coaches and ambassadors to the sport deserving the upmost recognition. This class includes Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award winners Dave “Doc” Bennett, Jon Cook, Phillip Hanson, RJ Scott, and Jon Watson. The 2021 state winners for the High School Excellence Awards include Drew Roberts (Dave Schultz Award) and Hannah Dupay (Tricia Saunders Award). Additionally, the entire history of the Idaho Chapter and High School Excellence Award winners are listed.

2021 HONOREES BIOGRAPHIES

DAVE “DOC” BENNETT – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. Known as “Doc” throughout the wrestling community, Dave Bennett got his start in wrestling as a member of the inaugural high school wrestling team at Jamestown High School in North Dakota in 1959. He was a conference place winner and qualified for the NAIA National Championships while attending Jamestown College (now University of Jamestown). In 1963, he transferred to Pacific University to finish his wrestling career.

Bennett graduated with his Bachelor’s degree at Pacific before completing his doctorate in optometry in 1966. After continued study at the University of Washington and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, he went into a joint practice of ophthalmology in Kennewick, Wash., in 1978.

He blended a professional career with wrestling throughout his life. Bennett coached high school teams from 1969-1990, holding positions as a volunteer, assistant coach, and head wrestling coach at five different high schools. He helped coach over 40 wrestlers to high school state championships in three states.

Through Sunkist Kids, Bennett became involved in video scouting and technique analysis. He has produced over 60 instructional and educational tapes for coaches, athletes, and officials, featuring some of the top athletes and coaches in the world. He also produced over 40 television shows for broadcast in the United States and abroad.

In 1997, he gave up his medical practice to become a full-time staff member of USA Wrestling. Three years later, he was named National Developmental Freestyle Coach. He was honored as the United States Olympic Committee Coach of the Year in 2008, receiving the Doc Councilman Award. He is the only wrestling coach to ever receive this prestigious award.

Bennett continues to volunteer his services to USA Wrestling, United World Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with digital media productions. He serves on USA Wrestling’s volunteer coaching staff and the expert group for education for United World Wrestling, the international governing body for the sport of wrestling.

PHILLIP HANSON – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. Tenacious wrestling style, commitment to wrestling and wrestlers, outstanding coach and official, the calling card of a National Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee. When in Salmon, you may have difficulty finding Phil Hanson, but almost everyone there can tell you about Coach Goober. A state champion himself, he has gone on to make a difference in many athletes in the Salmon wrestling program and the lives of many a Salmon State Champion. His wrestlers remember him as a "winner,” "perfecting the basics,” Goob dog...caring compassion for each kid he has ever coached." "...if he told me I could run through a brick wall, I would be 100% sure I could do it!" "...the guy that would give me a ride home because I didn't have one, and bought me dinner after away duals because I didn't have any money." "...compassionate, yet caring." "...I think it is great how he teaches kids, and I love him!" Other coaches and wrestlers knew that if you came up against one of his athletes, he would be well coached, well-conditioned, and would come at you for the full six minutes! Goober has been a staple of the Salmon wrestling community and the Salmon Wrestling Program in many aspects as a wrestler, coach, fund raising coordinator, and passionate supporter for most of his life.

JON COOK – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. Jon is known for his dedication to service. He has served the State of Idaho and our country as a member of the Idaho National Guard and Army Reserves from 1987-2014, missing the 2003 season while called to active duty at Ft Carson, and the 2008-2009 wrestling season while serving a tour in Iraq. He is a VFW Lifetime Member. When not serving our country, Jon has been a successful wrestler and wrestling coach serving Idaho athletes in eastern Idaho. Jon has an impressive number of wins as a college athlete, including being on the 1984 Big Sky Championship team, and finishing as a runner-up at 158 pounds. During his 17 year tenure as a head coach, he garnered a record of 195-85. He coached 21 state champions and 78 placers. He has been honored as the 1999 A2 Idaho Coach of the Year, and the 1998 NWCA Idaho Coach of the Year. Little says more about the character of a coach than to have the parents of state champion wrestlers refer to the greater lessons Jon taught his wrestlers, that is the lessons on leadership, integrity, respect for the opponent, and the importance of being a positive example to their peers. Jon also has left a lasting impression on those with whom he taught and coached. Jon continues his dedication to Idaho wrestling as a referee at both the high school and college level.

JON WATSON – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. "Do what's best for kids!" A motto that Jon has lived by in his career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. Jon began his wrestling career, as many do, on the mats as part of the youth wrestling program. Jon was a 2-time State Champion under the tutelage of Bruce Burnett. He went on to compete at Boise State University and placed at the PAC-10 championships his sophomore year. After coaching at Capital High School, Jon transferred to Centennial High School as a teacher and coach. There he grew the CHS program into a perennial State power on the mat. He led his team to multiple top four state team finishes and undefeated dual seasons. He coached more than 20 All-Americans and 22 State Champions during his short 8 years tenure as head coach. Jon created the Patriot Youth Wrestling Club and is the current director of that organization. Although he was forced to leave the wrestling room when he took the job of Athletic Director, his impact on wrestling, not only at CHS, but across the State of Idaho, continues as he has managed many District and Idaho State Wrestling Championships. Just as Jon carefully planned every workout for his wrestlers, he carefully plans and carries out even the smallest of details to ensure an outstanding tournament experience for all wrestlers, coaches, and fans.

RJ SCOTT – Lifetime Service to Wrestling. It seems only fitting that RJ would start his life on an Air Force Base, and then make such a huge impact on kids in an Air Force town! RJ earned a combined wrestling and vocal scholarship at Clackamas Community College in Oregon, but opted instead to begin his career and build his family with the Air Force himself. After serving assignments in Colorado, Texas, and West Germany, RJ returned to his hometown to serve his last 13 years of active duty at Mountain Home AFB. It was during this assignment and his subsequent career moves in military civil service and as a defense contractor that RJ made his most significant contributions to Idaho and Air Force wrestling. At the request of his former high school coach, RJ founded the Mountain Man Wrestling Club for youth in Elmore County and surrounding communities in 1991. Over the next 13 years, RJ built the local club into the 2nd largest in the state. The Mountain Man club produced standout wrestlers that then formed the backbone of the Mountain Home middle school and high school wrestling success story teams during the years that followed, including 19 individual state champions, 54 state place-winners, one 4-time finalist, one 3-time finalist, and three “Triple Crown” winners with championships in USA Wrestling Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles in addition to their high school gold medals. From this group, two wrestlers lived up to their national rankings with a combined 7 All-American finishes, and one FILA Cadet World Team selection. Seven of these wrestlers went on to compete in college programs as well.

During this period, RJ also became heavily involved in USA Wrestling. RJ served as the Idaho National Team Director and coach for USA-Idaho Wrestling. During his three years in this role, Team Idaho had two top-ten national team finishes, and had 2 National Champions and 28 All American wrestlers. RJ also served as an Assistant Coach for the All Air Force Wrestling Team for four years under Olympic coach Rich Estrella, including one National Championship team finish, two 2nd place team finishes, coaching 5 individual senior world team members. RJ was instrumental in bringing the USAF National Camp and Team Trials to Mountain Home AFB, where they remained for 9 years and hosted two Armed Forces Championships tournaments. After retiring from active duty, RJ coached one year in California, before returning to Idaho, where he settled in Pocatello, and has continued his involvement in Idaho wrestling as a high school and NCWA official, including 14 state tournaments in Idaho and Utah. 

2021 HIGH SCHOOL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

DREW ROBERTS – Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award. Rated among the top middle weights in the state of Idaho, Roberts was 2x Idaho State Champion for Coeur d’ Alene High School and earned All-American honors with Wrestling USA Magazine. Additionally, Roberts earned a state title his freshman season at Crescent Valley High School in Oregon and placed third as a sophomore for University High School in Washington. Currently, Roberts competes for the University of Minnesota.

HANNAH DUPAY – Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award. Competing for Meridian High School, Dupay placed third at the Idaho Girls High School State Championships and earned was medalist at several tournaments throughout the state. Currently, Dupay competes for Grand View University in Iowa.

NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME HISTORY

Idaho Chapter

1998 – 2022

DISTINGUISHED MEMBER

Bruce Burnett – 2021

ORDER OF MERIT

Dave “Doc” Bennett – 2015

MEDAL OF COURAGE

Lucas Lish – 2011

Derek Messtrovich – 2006

Chad Jennings – 2003

OUTSTANDING AMERICANS

Honorable Stephen Trott – 2017

Dr. Vernon Esplin – 2016

Glen Amador – 2015

Bryan Huntsman – 2011

Larry Howerton – 2010

Hugh Suenga – 2009 

Doug O’Bryan – 2008

Dick Stickle – 2008

Harvey Neef – 2006 

Rick Owens – 2005

LIFTIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING

Chris Owens – 2022

Lonny Dahlke – 2022

Clayton Armstrong – 2022

Travis Bell – 2022

Dave “Doc” Bennett – 2021

Jon Cook – 2021

Phillip Hanson – 2021

RJ Scott – 2021

Jon Watson – 2021

Dennis Amende – 2019

James Giulio – 2019

John Owen – 2019

Mike Randles – 2019

Linda Hall – 2019

Todd Praska – 2018

Dale Gardner – 2018

Brad Hansen – 2018

Brian Ricks – 2018

Darrell Brown – 2017

Ron Johnshoy – 2017

Wally Lester – 2017 

Brad Cooper – 2016

Arnie Jones – 2016

John Piva – 2016

Roy Smith – 2016

Bruce Burnett – 2015

Bill Braseth – 2015

Scott Hill – 2015

Kevin Wood – 2015

Bill Cooper – 2015

Ned Zollinger – 2014

Leon Madsen – 2014

Mike Leck – 2014

Robert Schreiber – 2013

Greg Cossette – 2013

Merrill Owens – 2013

Conrad Garner – 2013

Ron Wood – 2013

Ray Schnabel – 2012

John Spencer – 2012

Alta Graham – 2012

Rich Kriete – 2012

Ivan Ivanov – 2012

Tom Jewell – 2012

Laron Hanson – 2011

Tim Matthews – 2011

Bill Graham – 2010

Rocky Lima – 2010

Bruce White – 2010

Kirk Dahlke – 2009

Jay Darrington – 2009

John Berry – 2009

Ken Tams – 2008

Jim Whiteman – 2008

Rick Wayenberg – 2008

Van Tuinstra – 2008

Jessy Eddy – 2006

Robert Stancliff – 2006

William Knox – 2006

Kermit Morrison – 2005

Randall Maughan – 2005

Alan Gardner – 2005

Ken Langdon – 2004

Buzz Roberts – 2004

A. Jay Jones – 2004

Robert Christensen – 2004

Kent Taylor – 2003  

Cliff Laughlin – 2003  

Mike Young – 2003  

Dale Leatham – 2002  

Jim Ghormley – 2002  

Dick Fleischman – 2002

Hugh Brady – 2002   

Don Kissinger – 2001

Floyd Young – 2001

Rollie Lane – 2001

Wesley Christensen – 2000

Robert Halverson – 2000

George Nakano – 2000

Al Cafferty – 1999

Fred Hughes – 1999

Cleve Morgan – 1999

Paul Schaffeld – 1999

Bill Bowman – 1998

Alvin Dailey – 1998

Blair Harrington – 1998

Keith Williams – 1998

DAVE SCHULTZ H.S. EXCELLENCE AWARD

Rylan Rogers – Coeur d’ Alene, 2022

Drew Roberts – Coeur d’ Alene, 2021

Sawyer Hobbs – South Fremont, 2020

Ridge Lovett – Post Falls, 2019

Joseph Rice – New Plymouth, 2018

Casey Randles – Coeur d’ Alene, 2017

Tucker Leavitt – Highland, 2016

Seth McLeod – Post Falls, 2015

Hayden Tuma - Centennial, 2014

Jared Johnshoy - Melba, 2013

Raymond Evans – New Plymouth, 2012

Tanner Hall - Meridian, 2011

Trevor Rupp - Pocatello, 2010

Kyle Johnshoy - Melba, 2009

Jacob Scharbrough - Weiser, 2008

Kirk Smith - Centennial, 2007

Adam Hall – Bonners Ferry, 2006

Luke Smith – Idaho Falls, 2005

Nicholas Smith – Centennial, 2004

Jordan Johns – Aberdeen, 2003

Tony Hook – Sandpoint, 2002

Jake Rosholt – Sandpoint, 2001

Lex Case – North Fremont, 2000

Jonathan Padgett – Fruitland, 1999

Jared Lawrence – Sandpoint, 1998

TRICIA SAUNDERS H.S. EXCELLENCE AWARD

Marissa Jimenez – Caldwell, 2022

Hannah Dupay – Meridian, 2021

Payton Lanningham – Columbia, 2020

Hannah Harvey – St. Maries, 2019

Lana Hunt-Waddoups – Blackfoot, 2018

Cierra Foster – Post Falls , 2017

2022 NATIONAL HALL OF FAME – IDAHO CHAPTER

Banquet – Sunday, September 24, 2022

Red Lion Hotel, 1555 Pocatello Creek Rd., Pocatello, ID 83201