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 Has Its 2025 Honors Banquet
More than 230 family, friends and honored guests celebrated the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 on October 19.
Front Row (L to R): Rob Sherrill (Lifetime Service), Matt Hughes (Outstanding American), Rob Ledin (Lifetime Service).
Back Row (L to R): Ron Coit (Lifetime Service), Mike Garland (Lifetime Service), Jim Heffernan (Lifetime Service) and Jeff Hill (Lifetime Service).
Medal of Courage recipient Antonia Phillips is not pictured.
2025 Oregon - NWHOF Inducts 7
The Oregon Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted seven members in its Class of 2025.
Ron Alley, Sally Boussios, Montral Brazile, Klel Carson, Leslie Combs, Doran Simmons and Jim Vandehey are all recipients of the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award.
22nd Annual NJ Chapter Golf Outing Another Huge Success
Members enjoyed a beautiful day for golf this past summer
Oklahoma Chapter to Induct Seven in October
The Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor seven outstanding individuals at its 2025 induction ceremonies in Edmond in October.
Coaches Jack Hornbuckle, Michael Lightner, Dan Pettigrew and John Smith, as well as longtime wrestling sports reporter Mac Bentley will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award. Colonel Kelly Laughlin will be presented the Outstanding American Award and former highway patrolman Robert Nale, Jr. will receive the Medal of Courage.
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