New Jersey Chapter

Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

A Message From the Membership:

Welcome to the web site of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. We are pleased that you are interested in viewing the information we have developed which informs you about the activities our Chapter has been engaged in during the past several months.

 We hope that the information provided best describes some of the work our membership has been committed to doing for the advancement of wrestling especially in the State of New Jersey.

Through this web site, we look forward in providing timely messages, information about previous sponsored events, as well as conversation about wrestling, and what activities the New Jersey Chapter has planned and designed in the weeks and months that follow.

Take the time to read, enjoy, and most importantly, become involved through our web site in continuing to make our sport the great one that it is in the State of New Jersey, and beyond.

Thank you.

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.


Email nominations to: njchapter@nwhof.org

NEW JERSEY CHAPTER BOARD

Ken Bernabe, President
Howie O'Neil, Vice President
Dr. William Miron, Treasurer
Pete Frampton, Secretary

Directors:
Mike Cunningham
Ernie Finizio
Ed Glassheim
John Marinelli
Ted Resnick
Robert Shernce
Frank Sica

Laura Nawrocik, Webmaster


njchapter@nwhof.org

NEW JERSEY CHAPTER CEREMONY

September 27, 2026

REGISTER HERE

Lifetime Service to Wrestling Honorees:
Doug Castellari, Scott Griscom, Bruce Moran, Paul Morina, Samuel Rossi, Frank Sica, and Craig Spencer

Schedule:
12:00 Arrive
1:00 pm start
2:30 pm ceremony

Location:
The Weston at Forrestal Village
201 Village Blvd.
Princeton, NJ 08450

INDUCTION CEREMONY PROGRAMS

2025

2024 2023 2022 2021

2019 2018 2017 2016

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Induction Banquet – September 27, 2026



New Jersey Chapter News

Latest New Jersey Chapter News

NJ Chapter's 23rd Annual Golf Outing Another Successful Event

The heavy hitters came out in support of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame New Jersey Chapter when the organization held its 23rd annual golf outing at Mercer Oaks Golf Course in July.

Plenty of wrestling legends were in the field, but none were bigger than one of the Garden State’s all-time best grapplers: Gene Mills, a Distinguished Member inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2000.

A New Jersey state champion and NCAA national champion, Mills was one of 107 golfers to hit the links on the East Course in late July.

The golf outing is the NJ Chapter's biggest fundraiser of the year, raising money to award scholarships to high school wrestlers throughout the state.

John Allen Passes - A Cornerstone Of New Jersey Wrestling

John Allen, who received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005, passed away on March 16, at the age of 89.

23rd Annual Golf Outing Set

July 22, 2026 at Mercer Oaks

Barry Burtnett Passes, Was Original NJ Chapter Founder

Barry Burtnett, an original founder of the New Jersey State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, has passed away.

A memorial service will be held on February 28 at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

2025 Induction Banquet Held

The New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame had more than 220 attend its 24th banquet.

Doug Bower, Joseph Forte, Edward Gibbons, Ronald Hamrick, Carmine Rossi, and the late Alexander Sidar were each recognized with 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

Anthony Petrillo, Legendary NJ Coach Passes

Anthony Petrillo, who received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008, passed away on June 8, 2025, at the age of 96.

New Jersey Chapter Banquet Will Be September 28

The New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame has announced that it will present the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award to six honorees on September 28 at the Westin Hotel in Princeton, New Jersey.

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