The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (MA-NWHOF) is proud to announce the induction of five new members. Their names will be placed alongside our past inductees’ names in the State Chapter Gallery of the NWHOF Museum on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater Oklahoma. This year’s banquet to be held at the Framingham Sheraton Hotel on Saturday, November 2nd. Legendary coaches, Nick Zacchilli from Milford HS, Ray Miro from Mt. Greylock HS and Carmine Colace from the Franklin HS will be recognized for their Lifetime Service to Wrestling on that night. Each has made significant contributions to their high school programs as well as the entire Massachusetts wrestling community.

Former Winchester HS wrestler and Navy SEAL Glen Doherty will be posthumously recognized with the Medal of Courage Award for the heroic effort he exhibited in saving the lives of dozens of Americans at the American Embassy in Benghazi Libya on September 11, 2012. Glen lost his life during the terrorist attack along with former SEAL Tyrone Woods and diplomats Chris Stevens and Sean Smith.

We are also pleased to recognize Steve Biondolillo from Wellesley, a former elite amateur wrestler and college coach, successful businessman, author and motivational speaker for the Outstanding American Award. Steve is a shining example of a former wrestler and coach, who has applied the lessons learned from wrestling to achieve success in his professional life. Steve is the founder of the marketing and consulting firm, Biondolillo and Associates a leader in the field of special events fundraising.

Also on that evening, we will recognize the North Andover High School 1988 Division II State Championship Team and the Glen Doherty’s 1985 Winchester High School Team.

Rick Bowe from North Andover will be honored by the Massachusetts Chapter for his work with local wrestlers from Lawrence and North Andover with the Massachusetts Wrestling Roots Award. Along with providing college scholarships for deserving youngsters, Rick has mentored high school and college wrestlers find a successful path to adulthood.

This banquet is a kickoff to the 2013-14 wrestling season in Massachusetts. With over 270 people in attendance at last year’s banquet, this is the premier venue to meet high school and college wrestlers and coaches in New England. Tickets can be purchased online at http://ma-nwhof.ticketleap.com/banquet-2013. The mission of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is to preserve our history, recognize our excellence and inspire future generations of wrestlers in Massachusetts. Learn more about the National Wrestling Hall of Fame at http://nwhof.org.

For more information, please contact Tom Bartosek at bartosek@comcast.net or 508-378-7429.