The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is grateful for all those that poured their lives into Virginia's youth. Wrestling is a special calling that instills courage, discipline, and hard work.

This year we have another special group that have dedicated a lifetime of service and have reached the heights of success through the values of wrestling.

Steve Castle, Tim Hoden, Greg Jenkins, Tim Pierson and Mike Stafanko will be presented with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award while Emmitt McHenry will be honored as an Outstanding American.

Please help us congratulate the following individuals and join us to honor them and celebrate all that wrestling is doing for Virginia's youth at the awards ceremony on April 11 in Glen Allen, Virginia.

Tickets -> https://nwhofva.ticketspice.com/2026-virginia-chapter-nwhof-ceremony

Steve Castle - honored for more than four decades of lifetime service as an educator, coach, and leader, highlighted by 225 dual meet victories and sustained competitive success at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, where he built one of Virginia’s premier independent school programs. Beyond the mat, his impact extended statewide through long-term leadership in VISAA wrestling, service as Virginia’s representative to the National Prep Tournament, and mentorship that sent dozens of athletes on to collegiate programs across the country.

Tim Hoden - recognized for more than 30 years of service as a highly respected wrestling official, evaluator, and administrator across the VHSL, VISAA, NCAA, and NCWA levels. His career includes officiating 10 VHSL State Tournaments, 30+ district and regional events, NCWA Regionals and National Duals, the Hokie Open, and numerous college duals, while also shaping the sport statewide through leadership as Commissioner of the Colonial Officials Association and mentorship of the next generation of officials .

Greg Jenkins - over a 42-year officiating career in Virginia, he worked 75+ district tournaments, 70+ regional tournaments, 24 VHSL State Championships, Virginia–Maryland State Duals, I-64 tournaments, and Super 32 qualifiers, while also building lasting impact through youth clubs, middle and high school coaching, and federation leadership.

Emmitt McHenry - a life shaped by wrestling excellence and world-changing innovation: a standout high school wrestler and University of Denver scholarship athlete whose discipline and competitive mindset carried far beyond the mat. He later became a pioneering technologist as the co-creator of the .com domain name system and founder of Network Solutions, building the architecture that made the modern internet accessible to the public and forever transforming global communication and commerce.

Tim Pierson - lent his experience of 40 years in the U.S. Marines to drive excellence in officiating at the highest levels - including dozens of VHSL region and state championships, seven World Championships, three Olympic Team Trials, four World Team Trials, and a plethora of distinguished national and international events.

Mike Stefanko - honored for 34 years of lifetime service and sustained excellence as a head coach at Meadowbrook, Clover Hill, and Cosby High Schools, where he built championship-caliber programs and a culture of integrity. His career achievements include a 523–177–1 dual meet record, 7 Dominion District championships, 2 Conference 3 titles, 34 district champions, 17 All-State wrestlers, and 8 state champions, cementing his legacy as one of Virginia’s most successful and respected high school wrestling coaches.