Because wrestling is such a transformational experience, many wrestlers remain connected to the sport long after their competitive days are over. After all, as Dan Gable once said, “once you have wrestled, everything else in life is easy.”

Wrestling alumni and their families, friends and fans become the primary network of enthusiasts who support our sport at every level. They give of their time, talent and treasure to sustain every program and organization that promotes the health and well-being of this great sport in America, including the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. We are so lucky to count you among this group.

In December we hosted the inaugural National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dual Classic, featuring 16 of the nation’s top high school wrestling teams competing in a two-day dual meet tournament. In addition to great competition, teams were able to visit our museum and hear Distinguished Members Kendall Cross and John Smith speak about their careers and setting goals. We are already making plans to host the Second-Annual Dual Class in December.

In November in Pittsburgh, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum hosted wrestling supporters and dignitaries for an Evening with Dan Gable. Speakers paid tribute to the Hall of Fame wrestler and coach by sharing stories about the impact that he has had on our sport. Gable also shared stories and noted that the traits and attitudes necessary to be a successful wrestler are beneficial throughout life.

Our State Chapters hosted 28 induction ceremonies in 2022, including our Washington Chapter holding its event in a performing arts center to better showcase inductees in a theater-style format.

The Hall of Fame will unveil a new exhibit, Women In Wrestling, in June. A collaboration between the Hall of Fame and the Committee to Advance Women’s Wrestling, it will highlight the history of women’s wrestling from the 1980s to present and will include a kiosk that includes notable achievements and opportunities available in women’s wrestling. We are especially grateful to former Women’s Olympic Team Leaders for sponsoring this exhibit. The unveiling will coincide with our Honors Weekend, where Patricia Miranda will be inducted as the fifth female Distinguished Member of the Hall of Fame.

Fans attending the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Tulsa had an ideal opportunity to visit the Hall of Fame, located less than 70 miles from the BOK Center. Tulsa has a storied wrestling history. From the 1930s through the 1960s, Tulsa Central High School produced 16 graduates who won a total of 30 NCAA titles, the most by a high school.

Each year at the NCAA tournament, the Hall of Fame features exhibits highlighting the wrestling history of the host state. This year’s exhibits showcased Tulsa Central High School, and Olympic medalists, three-time and four-time NCAA champions, and NCAA Championship Outstanding Wrestlers from Oklahoma.

The Hall of Fame also hosted a program during NCAA Fan Fest, featuring NCAA champion Tadaaki Hatta sharing the story of Japanese wrestlers competing and achieving success for colleges in the United States in the 1960s.

We are indeed grateful to have a sport with such loyal alumni and fans, and yet we must never take for granted its longevity. Every modern era has brought its own set of challenges – most recently, a global pandemic. But wrestling’s resiliency continues, as a record number of female and male participants have returned to competition and success.

It is because of this current generation and those who came before them that your Hall of Fame will continue its mission to preserve history, recognize excellence and inspire future generations.

Thank you for your support to help us serve our mission and for your commitment to work together to grow and sustain our wonderful sport for future generations.