The FHSAA State Championships, was the precursor to our 24th annual induction into the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on August 25 and 26.

Thanks to Wisconsin's Head Coach, Chris Bono, tor taking time Wednesday to give an inspiring "Mat Talk' to many state qualifiers.

The popular 'History of Florida Wrestling display brought much attention to the work of the Florida Chapter. Our spin to win wheel created a line of participants 15 deep. The "Push UP" hall of fame competition was the newest addition to our fun.

On Saturday March 4, the Class of 2023 assembled in the Silver Spurs Arena. Fans and alumni rose to welcome Coach Sean Ballard of Palm Bay Magnet School and a Space Coast Sports Hall of Famer, University of Wisconsin coach Chris Bono, Martin County Coach Donald Knauf, Coach Samuel Pruitt, of St. Petersburg High School, Braddock Senior High School, Coach Saul Tejada and Ft Myers coach and official Donald Weekley. These men will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award at the Honors Weekend. Congratulations to the class who, in the not to distant future, will have a place of recognition in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

The 2023 John Vaughn Award will be presented to Coach Gerald Gergley, who introduced wrestling to the University of Central Florida in 1970.

Our annual Next Level Scholarship recipients were Brielle Bibla of Matanzas High and Dominic Joyce of North Port High, both FHSAA State runner-ups.

The HOF wrapped it up with the presentation of NWHOF Certificates (56) to the champion in each weight class. We are proud participants in the ever increasing achievements of Florida High School Wrestling.