State Chapters
Purpose of the State Chapters
The Board of Governors of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum established the State Chapter program in 1993.
The purpose is to pay tribute to those coaches, officials and contributors who represent the best qualities of what the sport of wrestling has to offer and who share those characteristics with young people day in and day out.
Nomination Information
Lifetime Service To Wrestling
Given in recognition of 20 years or more of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in the youth through the sport of wrestling.
Outstanding American
Given to former wrestlers who are highly successful in other walks of life and use the disciplines learned in wrestling in their profession.
Medal of Courage
A former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable challenges, which may be physical, mental or other disabilities that make their achievements all the more uplifting.
State Chapter Director
Krista Graff
State Chapter Office
405 West Hall of Fame Avenue
Stillwater, OK 74075
Phone: (405) 742-4470
Email: kgraff@nwhof.org
Latest State Chapter News
Illinois Chapter Celebrates Its Class of 2026
The Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honored its Class of 2026 on October 18 in Alsip, Illinois.
Tom Arlis, Chauncey Carrick, Mike Hurckes, Jerry Kelly, Dan Loprieno and Rob Porter received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award while Brad Traviolia was honored as an Outstanding American.
Upstate New York Chapter September 2026 awards and induction banquet recap
The Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame held its annual banquet & induction ceremony on September 27 at the Doubletree Inn in Syracuse.
Seven upstate New York region individuals were honored with Wayne Bleau, Dave Grazul, Mark Gumble, Elaine Krum, Gene Nighman, and Howard Weller receiving the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award and Lt. Col (ret.) Todd Messitt being recognized as an Outstanding American.
2026 Downstate New York NWHOF Inductees
Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Class of 2026
John Laurenzi, Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Michael A. Ondich, Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Bill Patton, Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Gary Pesko, Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Ben Resnick, Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Carol Roseto, Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Dave Smith, Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Elliott Tepper, Outstanding American
2026 Oregon - NWHOF Inducts 8
The Oregon Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted eight members in its Class of 2026.
Jeff Corliss, Tammy Johnson, Walt Markee, Kacey McNulty, Jeremy Rhoades, Dan Russell, Joe Russell and Jeff Zerba are all recipients of the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award.
Our Mission: Preserve wrestling history, recognize extraordinary achievement and inspire greatness
Our Vision: Be the definitive steward and champion of wrestling history and achievement
Our Values: Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration and Service