The Florida chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. We have over 150 alumni representing the state. A traveling wrestling museum is the center piece of our Honors weekend, and at the FHSAA finals. We annually award one boys' and girls' Next Level Scholarship. Florida sponsored Life University Coach Ashley Sword's clinic and guest speakers Coach Tom Ryan (Ohio State) Coach John Smith (Oklahoma State) and Coach Chris Bono (Wisconsin). Our information and message can be found here and on our Facebook page. Enjoy this video produced by National. It says it all right here and read the Fall 2024 newsletter.
Florida Chapter
Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Florida Chapter Honorees
Latest Florida Chapter Inductees
Sal Basile
Year: 2024
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
James Dailey, Jr.
Year: 2024
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Michael Graham
Year: 2024
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Dan Moody
Year: 2024
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Mike Pedersen
Year: 2024
Outstanding American
Pat Ryan
Year: 2024
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Ryland Wagner
Year: 2024
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Latest High School Excellence Award Winners
NOMINATIONS
Lifetime Service To Wrestling
Given in recognition of years 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 and use the disciplines learned in wrestling in their profession.
Medal of Courage
Is presented to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable challenges.
Fill out this Lifetime Service / Outstanding American / Medal of Courage, Application
Direct nomination questions to Bob Burns.
FLORIDA CHAPTER AWARDS:
John Vaughan Award
This prestigious chapter award was created to acknowledge those deserving individuals who otherwise may not receive recognition for their profound contribution to the sport of amateur wrestling in the state.
Fill out this John Vaughan Award, Application
FLORIDA CHAPTER BOARD
The Florida Chapter for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame was established in 2000.
Executive Board
Gary Townsend – Executive Director
Don Smith – Vice President
Jane Townsend – Secretary
Emily Drews – Treasurer
Sam Agresti - Security
Bill Combs - Operations
Robert Matyskiel - Sergeant at Arms
Robert Burns – Nominations
Pete Collins – Museum Curator
Robert Thomas – Media Services
Jeff Malavsky – Development
Cecelia Solomon – Administrative Assistant
1 Year BOARD
Officials Director - Don Weekley / Alan Solomon
FAWA Director– David Mason
FHSAA – Corey Sobers
Boys Director – Sal Basile
Girls Director –open
NWHOF - Florida Chapter
1505 Crowberry Ln Sebastian, Fl 32598
The HOF Board is growing our traveling museum of Florida Wrestling. We are looking for state championship programs for all years and all divisions. If you have one(s) to donate please contact Museum Curator Pete Collins.
2025 HONORS CEREMONY
Online Hotel / Event Registration
Mail in Event only Registration
SCHEDULE:
Friday, August 22, 2025
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Friday Night Social - Meet the Inductees
Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:00 AM Testimonial Brunch
Honors Banquet:
5:00 PM Reception
6:00 PM Meal
7:00 PM Honors Ceremony
HONOREES:
Lifetime Service to Wrestling:
Terry Brockland
Frank Fuder
Brian K. Jones
Michael Madry
Jon Vogt
Jeremy Walton
Medal of Courage:
Chris Hixon
Florida Chapter John Vaughn Award:
Ricky Marcus
LOCATION:
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort
1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Florida Chapter News
Latest Florida Chapter News
Florida Wrestling Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2025 Inductees
The Florida Wrestling Hall of Fame has announced that its Class of 2025 is Joe Cozart, Earl Hall Jr, Brandon Hatchett, Russ Schenk, Mike Schyck, Mark Free, Jonathan Taylor and Dustin DeNunzio.
The Next Level Scholarship is Back
For the sixth year, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter is offering a scholarship opportunity to boys and girls Florida wrestlers.
The $1000 scholarship opportunity is available to any qualified athlete who will continue their wrestling career at the collegiate level.
A Coach In Wrestling and Life: Southwest Florida Wrestling Legend Kris Hayward Passes Away
Kris Hayward, who received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016, passed away on January 8 after battling health issues in recent years.
Congratulations to the Florida Chapter's Class of 2025.
Congratulations to the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.
Honors Weekend 2024: Pressed Suits, Pressed Ties, and 7 Inductees that ImPRESSED
The Florida Chapter celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a record 430 attendees while honoring its Class of 2024: Sal Basile, Jim Dailey Jr., Michael Graham, Dan Moody, Pat Ryan, Ryland Wagner, and Mike Pedersen.
Dirty South Podcast: Jason Fulmore and Dan Ward Cover NWHOF News
Jason Fulmore of SE Wrestling and Dan Ward of Ward Wrestling talk about the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Class of 2024.
Take a Closer Look
Richard “Tippy” Golphin is the official DJ for the Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Honors Weekend and was once the Tampa Bay Buccaneers mascot, Captain Fear.
National Wrestling Hall of Fame Announces State Winners of the Tricia Saunders and Dave Schultz High School Excellence Awards
Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations