The Nevada Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honored the Class of 2023 Lifetime Service to Wrestling honors were presented to high school coaches Michael Abrams, Michael Garcia, Tim Jeffries; longtime coach and official Ben Fermon; and coach, community/wrestling leader, competitor William Rosado. This is the first NV Chapter Award Induction since 2012. The newly constructed Nevada Chapter Board is chaired by James Porter and Vice Chair Theresa Johnson with two sperate boards one in Southern Nevada (Las Vegas) and Northern Nevada (Reno).

The Award Banquet hosted 180 wrestling supporters and family members to honor these exceptional wrestling coaches and competitors. The awards were presented by Distinguished HOF member Mark Churella of Michigan and former UNLV Head Wrestling Coach and Director of Cliff Keen Collegiate Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Each of these Lifetime Service Award Winners has provided over 40 years to the sport of wrestling.

It is notable that with the addition of the new inductees: Mike Abrams, Mike Garcia, Tim Jeffries and Billy Rosado, to the NV Chapter NWHOF and, previous Lifetime Service honorees: Pat Christenson, Dennis Finfrock all of the UNLV Wrestling Coaches from 1980-1984 are now recognized for their Lifetime Service. Many of those in attendance commented that it is unfortunate that UNLV dropped their Varsity Wrestling Program in 1984 but the sport of wrestling benefited by those coaches continuing in Las Vegas Area to support wrestling.

2023 NEVADA CHAPTER HONOREES:

Michael Abrams – Lifetime Service to Wrestling – is passionate about wrestling and has been coaching the sport for over 40+ years. He was a two time national champion in college, and division one all-American. He is originally from Michigan, and attended Grand Valley State University for his bachelor’s degree.

Ben Fermon – Lifetime Service to Wrestling – coached for more than 40 years in Nevada and California with a dual record of 437-257-8. He coached 10 individual state champions. In 2015, he joined the Southern Nevada Officials Association and is currently the chair of Southern NV Officials Wrestling Assn.

Michael Garcia – Lifetime Service to Wrestling – coached 530 dual meet victories and seven state team championships highlight Garcia's 40+ year wrestling coaching career. He is a major staple in the Nevada Wrestling Community, winning Coach of the Year numerous times in his illustrious Career at Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, and Cimmaron-Memorial. He coached three of his sons at CMHS.

Tim Jeffries – Lifetime Service to Wrestling – was a five-time Nevada coach of the year with 476 dual meet victories and seven state championships teams. Tim was an NCAA Division I All-American in 1978 for Arizona State University. More than that, he was trying to build and instill character and make good citizens.

William Rosado – Lifetime Service to Wrestling – Bill is a respected leader in the community who generously gives his time, talent, and resources to his profession, the Las Vegas community and the sport of wrestling. He is a competitor of the highest caliber. He was a member of the 1976 U.S. Olympic wrestling team, a Gold Medalist in the 1979 Pan American Games, and a Bronze Medalist in the 1981 World Championships. Bill was an NCAA All-American at Arizona State University and was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. He coached over 20 years in the Las Vegas Area and coaches two of his sons in high school.