Pennsylvania Chapter Banquet Huge Success
The event was held on Sunday, October 17th, at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center with 370 in attendance to honor nine (9) of Pennsylvania's top contributors to our sport.
Steve Capoferri was recognized as the 2021 'Outstaning American' while 'Lifetime Service to Wrestling' awards were bestowed upon Marc Billett, Roger Crebs, Ken Daws, Robert Koffler, John Little, Carl Poff, Marty Strayer, and Rich Vetock.
This class, because of the Covid, had been postponed four times. But in this case, the fourth time was the charm and was well worth the wait.
The PA Chapter has adopted the procedure of video-taping the inductees 'speeches' well ahead of the ceremonies. This serves to relax the honorees the day of the event and also to control the length of the acceptance speeches.
After each video, the honoree advanced to the stage and was presented his award from a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Making those presentations were Bob Bubb, Fred Richardson, and Tim Shiels.
Adding to the festivities was a special appearance by our four USA Women Olympian medalists: Tamyra Mensah Stock, Adeline Gray, Helen Maroulis and Sarah Hildebrant. Their coach Terry Steiner and 1984 Greco gold medal winner Steve Fraser added to the impressive event.
State Chapter Krista Graff was also in attendance and made a special presentation to retiring chapter president Ann Peery Ritter. Newly-elected president Howard 'Hob' Kroesen also had a special framed photo award for Ann.
The chapter honored eight state champions who were in attendance. Each received a certificate and had their photos taken with one of the Olympians.
The ceremony was completed and made official by the awarding of the green jackets by board member John C. Thomas.
Much credit has to go to chapter treasurer Lloyd Rhoades for his development of a first class Event Program.
The Class of 2022 (which had been selected May of 2020) will be making their videos on December 6th at Rock Lititz in Lancaster County with the next banquet to be on May 1, 2022. Selected for Induction into the 28th annual ceremony are: Larry Guenot, Joe Hammaker, Scottie Hughes, William Lukridge, Wayne & Kay Renniesen, Ed Schneider, Jerry Swope, Andy Thal and Ian Malesiewski.