On Sunday, September 21, 2014, at the Jumping Brook Country Club in Wall Township, New Jersey, the New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted six new members into its prestigious Hall of Fame.

Over 250 were in attendance at a banquet which was attended by National Wrestling Hall of Fame Executive Director LeRoy Smith who helped present honors to the following recipients: Lifetime Achievement Awards to Fred Stueber, Russ Minuto, Dennis D’Andrea, Joel Melitski, John Harmon, and the Outstanding American Award to Clay McEldowney.

This year’s inductees provided a host of contributions and accomplishments in the sport of wrestling through their involvement in coaching at a variety of youth levels, leadership and service in their field, advancements of the sport through reporting and publications, as well as an identifiable commitment to the world’s oldest sport. All six inductees were well represented and supported that day with family, friends, former wrestlers, coaches, distinguished guests, former inductees into the New Jersey HOF, and wrestling enthusiasts who were in attendance.

The “Order of the Day” began with a reception for family and friends of each inductee, followed by a seated dinner, presentation of awards, a video of each inductee, acceptance speeches, as well as the opportunity for good conversation about the sport we all have come to enjoy and love.

A special thank you is generated for the efforts demonstrated by the dinner committee under the leadership of NJ Chapter President Steven Jastrabek, and Banquet Chair Frank Sica, as well as the Executive Committee members who played a very active role in the success of this 14th Annual Induction ceremony and banquet.

Congratulations once again to our inductees Fred, Russ, Dennis, Joel, John, and Clay, and to their respective family and friends for an honor that is well deserved.