Hall of Fame

Ray Arthur is a graduate of Dondero High School in Royal Oak (1973), and of Central Michigan University(1978).

He has spent 31 years coaching wrestling at Petoskey High School, and set an incredibl...e standard for “Northern Michigan Wrestling”. The list of accomplishments is very impressive, but more than that, what he did for Petoskey High School Wrestling and the school in general certainly outweighs the numbers of wins and championships that were recorded under his watchful eye.

Wrestlers and families from the northern part of our state looked at Petoskey and Coach Arthur as the standard for excellence.

Ray’s teams captured 20 conference championships, 13 district titles, 7 Regional trophies and in 1996 they captured the MHSAA Division II State Championship.

As the head coach at Petoskey, his teams accumulated an astounding 685-142-8 win-loss record, including 31 consecutive years with a winning record. The number of wins ranks Ray 4th all time in the state of Michigan. As of 2010, he was the 9th winningest coach in the history of high school wrestling in the United States.

Ray’s contributions were not limited to Petoskey Wrestling. He served 6 years on the MHSAA Wrestling Committee. He has been a clinician at the annual MWA clinic and he never refused to help anybody that asked. He coached Team Michigan in the Freestyle/Greco Roman National Invitational Tournament, and gave 4 years of service coaching Team Michigan Freestyle/Greco Roman Wrestling in the National Dual Tournament.

Ray was honored 4 times as a Regional Coach of the Year, he was the MWA Class B wrestling coach of the year in 1993. He was nominates from Michigan for consideration in the National Coach of the Year competition and in 2007, he was a National Semi-Finalist for the award.

We are not the first organization to induct him, as he is already a member of the NWCA Hall of Fame and the Petoskey Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Ray thanks his wife, his family, the community of Petoskey and Petoskey schools for all they have done top support him and the Petoskey Wrestling Program.

For all you have done Ray Arthur, the Michigan wrestling Association inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Marti is a 1969 graduate of Fenton High School where he played football and wrestled. He continued his wrestling career while a freshman at Central Michigan University.

Marti’s teaching and coachi...ng career has taken him many places, including Bad Axe, Redford and Byron area. He even spent two years in Swaziland, Africa while serving in the Peace Corps.

Marti coached football, track and wrestling, but his love is wrestling, which he coached for 34 years. His teams had great success and his student athletes achieved at an even higher level. His teams won more than 400 dual meets, they won 14 district titles and one regional championship. His student athletes were held to an academic and behavioral standard that enabled many young men to move forward in the world to accomplish great things. Among these individuals, there were two state champions and 33 state medalists.

Marti’s contributions to the Michigan Wrestling Association and the sport are too many to list. He can be credited with many advances and with leading the association for a great time of growth. He spent 17 years on the executive board, and we are not letting him disappear any time soon.

Gratitude from Marti goes out to his wife, Chris and daughters Kara and Kathryn, without whom it would not have been possible to do all he has done without their love and support. Along with Mark Schaefer and Terry Drury, the Byron High School administration and the wrestling community are well appreciated.

For all you have done Marti Covert, the Michigan Wrestling Association inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Joe was a two time state champion at Roseville High School, accumulating a record of 86-0 as a junior and senior in high school.

Joe took his wresting talents to the University of Michigan where he... was a two time All American, finishing runner up in the Big Ten and the NCAA tournament twice. He was ranked number one in the nation during the 1988-89 season. As a captain over two seasons, the Wolverines snapped a 99 meet win streak that Iowa had vs. Big 10 opponents and both years, the team placed in the top five in the NCAA Championships.

After finishing at Michigan, Joe continued to compete, his resume is extremely full and impressive. In 1986 and 87 he won the Espoir National Championship and in 1987 won the world title. The following year he won the Trophy Malone Championship in Italy and was an Olympic Alternate.

Joe won the Sunkist International and the US International Tournament twice. He was a nine time US National Open Tournament All American, once finishing in the runner up position. He won tournaments in Italy and France. Joe was again an Olympic Alternate in 1992.

Joe has served as a coach over a great period of time. He has served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Michigan and at Iowa University, and he was the Head Assistant Coach at Michigan State University from 1993-97During that stretch, the Spartans placed in the NCAA top 11 three times. During his final year at MSU, the team had a pre-season ranking of second in the nation.

Joe coached 17 All Americans, three NCAA finalists and one National Champion.

Joe coached at Grosse Pointe North from 1999-2006 during which time his teams compiled a record of 136 wins and only 20 losses.

As a coach at Liberty University, the team sported a 30-14 record, winning two East Regional Team Championships and there were 11 NCAA qualifiers on the team.

For all you have done Joe Pantaleo, the Michigan Wrestling Association inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Bruce comes to Michigan from Pennsylvania and he has made a mark since arriving.
During the 1969-20 school year, Bruce was an assistant coach at South Haven High School as they won the Class B Stat...e Championship.

In 1970, Bruce began coaching at nearby Stevensville Lakeshore High School where he has written quite a history of wrestling accomplishments.

Bruce’s teams have won 764 dual meets while losing only 181, which is a winning percentage near 75%, while competing with some of the best programs in the state. Bruce has more wins than any other coach in Michigan Wrestling history. He ranks second in the nation. In wins and he is still coaching and serving our organization with great passion.

Under the leadership of Bruce, the Lancers have won 26 conference titles, 21 district championships, 8 regional titles and 90 invitational titles.

Two of Bruce’s teams have been State Runners Up and there were 4 teams that finished the season undefeated in dual meet competition.

Bruce has coached 78 state place winners, which includes 20 individual state champions.

In 2009 Bruce was named National High School Wrestling Coach of the year at convention of the National High School Coaches Association. Other accolades include South Bend Tribune Male Sports Coach of the Year, WSJM Male sports coach of the Year for Southwest Michigan and he has been selected 9 times as an MWA Regional Coach of the Year.

Bruce recognizes his immediate family and the Lancer Wrestling Community as having made such a difference in his life and career.

For all you have done, Bruce Bittenbender, the Michigan Wrestling Association inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Stan DeVoir played football for four years at Albion High School and wrestled during his senior year. After graduating in 1971 he attended Adrian College where he played football for three years.

...His first teaching job at Athens Area Schools included the responsibility of initiating a wrestling program at the high school. Two years later he was offered a teaching position at Lawton Community Schools with the stipulation that he would also start a high school wrestling program. Stan was the head wrestling coach for eleven years at Lawton. During that time, Lawton, a high school with a student population of 200, grew into a greatly respected and highly competitive program throughout the State of Michigan. From 1984-89 his teams placed 3rd, 2nd (twice), and won 3 consecutive State Championships. Lawton also was the Tri-League Champion for four consecutive years. Over 60 Lawton wrestlers were state medalists with 13 winning Individual State Championships during his coaching tenure. Stan was honored by the MWA as Regional Coach of the Year four times and as the State Coach of the Year three times. After teaching for sixteen years Stan served as a building and district level administrator for seventeen years in four schools and was instrumental in helping to create wrestling programs at Camden-Frontier and Nouvel Catholic Central.

Stan wishes to express his gratitude for the love and support he has received throughout his life from his entire family, especially his wife Debbie and their three daughters Erica, Sonya, and Chelsea. He thanks all of the people who helped build the wrestling program at Lawton including Mike Garvey, Wally Hitchcock and the parents of the young men who wrestled for Lawton. Most importantly, he acknowledges these young men whose dedication, work ethic, and devotion to each other made all of the success at Lawton possible. His induction into the MWA Hall of Fame is a tribute to their character and their efforts.

For all you have done Stan DeVoir, the Michigan Wrestling Association inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Chuck is a 1969 graduate of Lamphere high school where he wrestled on the first wrestling team the school ever had. He earned 3 varsity letters in wrestling and was coached by Gary Bandelean.

Chuc...k attend Central Michigan University graduating in 1974 and was a volunteer wrestling coach at Mt. Pleasant Jr. High while he was a student at Central.

Chuck served one year as Jr. High wrestling coach in the Lamphere Schools while serving as a substitute teacher.

Beginning in 1975 Chuck taught at Birch Run Area High School and served as head wrestling coach. During his tenure (8 years) his teams won 3 conference championships, 2 Saginaw County Championships and finished as District Runners up in 1983. He was named Saginaw County Coach of the year in 1981 and 1982.

Chuck spent 3 years coaching in Denver Colorado before relocating to Dowagiac in 1986. Over the next 17 years, Chuck guided the Chieftans to a record of 353-89. While at Dowagiac Chuck was named Regional coach of the year 5 times and Southwest Michigan Coach of the year twice. His teams won 6 conference titles, 11 district championships and 5 Regional tournaments. The 1998 team finished runners up at the MHSAA Finals.

Chuck would like to thank his wife Eileen and his children Mike (Jessica), Nick and Lisa for the amazing support over the years.
Since retiring from the coaching ranks, Chuck spends some of his winter still on the mat as an MHSAA registered official.

Chuck Rubino, for all you have done, the Michigan wrestling Association inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Doug was a three sport athlete at Ann Arbor High School; he played football, baseball and wrestled. He wrestled and played baseball at Western Michigan University.

Doug began his coaching career ...at Lake Orion in 1972. In 37 years at Lake Orion, Doug started the Junior High Wrestling program in 1973. He also coached Wrestling at the high School serving 14 years as the assistant coach and 15 years as the head coach.

During Doug’s tenure, the Dragons made six trips to the team finals and captured one Runner Up finish and a team title in 1990.

Another source of pride for Coach Kline is his involvement in the promotion of the girl’s wrestling program. He has hosted and managed the Women’s National Tournament at Lake Orion for over ten years. He also served on the Board of Directors for five years. As head coach of Team Michigan his team won two national titles.

Doug has served the MWA on the board of directors for many years and his leadership, guidance and decision making is partially responsible for the outstanding achievements of this fine organization.

For all you have done Doug Kline, the Michigan Wrestling Association hereby inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Tom wrestled at Owosso High School and placed fourth in the State at 138 in 1966 and was a state champion at 145 in 1967. Tom wrestled four years as a starter at Western Michigan University and place...d second in the MAC as a senior.

Tom took over a TK wrestling program that had never won a dual meet. Tom finishes his head coaching career with a dual meet record of 710-234-7. Tom’s teams won nine regional championships and advanced to the semifinals eight of those nine trips to the team finals. In 1996 the Trojans brought home a state title. There have been 42 state place winners and two individual champions along with 95 individual conference champions that came out of Tom’s wrestling room.

Tom has been a member of the MWA for 36 years. He served five years as our Vice President and he has been honored as Regional Coach of the Year 11 times and three times he was named State Coach of the Year.

Tom hosted and managed the MHSAA State Finals at TK eleven times. He has served as Junior Director of the Michigan Wrestling Federation for USA Wrestling for 24 years and holds a Silver Coaching Certification from USA Wrestling. He has been named Man of the Year by USA Wrestling, he has received the Lifetime of Service Award, and he has bee inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame in Stillwater, OK.

Tom served as Team Leader and Coach of the 2002 Michigan Greco and Freestyle Dual Meet Teams which won the USA Greco Junior National Championship and placed third in Freestyle. Tom coached eight other teams that placed in the top eight at the National Duals.

Tom credits the Middleville wrestlers, community and especially his family for the love and support that enables him to stand here tonight receiving this wonderful award.

For all you have done Tom Lehman, the Michigan Wrestling Association hereby inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Don was a four sport athlete in High School and Holton. There was no wrestling program there and his introduction to our sport was when he was asked to serve as an assistant coach in 1974. Six years... later he became the head coach. When Don assumed the controls of the program they had team record of 82-129-2 and there were 18 kids on the team. Since 1980 the Rams have had only two losing records and Don has amassed an eye popping record of 559-153-2 in dual meets. They have also averaged 60 wrestlers in the program with a peak season of 90 wrestlers in the program. Obviously the goal of increasing numbers enabled the program under Don’s guidance to record many other fine accomplishments.

Don has coached baseball, softball, football and wrestling. He has coached 77 seasons at Rockford High School. During Don’s time the accomplishments of the Wrestling program are incredibly impressive: 78 All State Wrestlers, 15 Runners Up and 14 Individual State Champions. The Rams have won two team championships, 2 runners up trophies, 1 Regional Championships, 15 District Championships and 12 Conference Titles.

Don has been honored by the MWA as Regional Coach of the year 10 times and 3 times as the State Coach of the Year.

Don was inducted into the Rockford Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

As one could imagine a career like the one described above is filled with highlights. So full that it is impossible to single out just one. The pleasure of coaching his son, Donovan for four years brings back a lot of memories, including three trips to the team finals and 2 runners up finishes. The bloody nose loss in 1997 will never be forgotten. Certainly the State Championships in 2007 and 2009 are near the top of the list.

Don would like to salute Rockford HS and the entire community for the support and make special mention of his family. He readily admits none of this could have been accomplished without the help and support of Deb, his wife of 37 years and their children, Bambi, Brandi and Donovan and even the grandchildren McKenna, Ryar, Nolan and Sophia.

Don has served the Michigan Wrestling Association as the coach of the year chair and revamped the system to its efficient state we know.

For all you have done, Don Rinehart, the Michigan Wrestling Association hereby inducts you into the Hall of Fame.

Parma Western

Adrian

Grand Rapids West Catholic, Niles Brandywine, Niles

Bay City Handy, Bay City Western

Portland

New Lothrop, Chesaning

Addison

St. Louis

University of Michigan

Novi, New Boston Huron

Sparta

Dearborn Fordson

Detroit Catholic Central

Sam began his coaching career at Bishop Borgess High School in 1973 after graduating from Eastern Michigan University. Sam took an over three year old program that had never won a dual meet nor produ...ced a place finisher in any kind of tournament. In his first season at Borgess he produced a team that won 8 dual meets and had two wrestlers place at invitational tournaments. His second season was even more successful than his first. His dual meet record improved, had more young men involved in the sport, and Borgess held a 16-team tournament. While at Borgess, Sam secured employment as a teacher in the Westwood Community School District. The District asked Sam to start a wrestling program at the local high school. Sam agreed and Robichaud High School's wrestling program began and was very successful. In his nine years as head Wrestling Coach his team compiled a 117-40-2 record, coached a State Runner up, and coached several District and Regional Champions along with 65 Invitational Champions. His teams were also State ranked, the highest ranking came in 1983 when his Bulldog's were ranked 2nd, after compiling a 17-1 dual meet record and winning every invitational entered. While at Robichaud, Sam also served as a member of the Michigan AAU Cultural Exchange Committee. He was one of the coaches that went to Berlin, Germany in 1978. He also served as a host school to German Exchange Team that toured Michigan in 1979. Sam left Robichaud and went to Dearborn for three years and won 50 matches. He turned a program that had only 6 wrestlers complete the season before his arrival into one that had over 40 boys when he left.

Sam went to Inkster High School where he again started a program from scratch. Inkster had not had any wrestling for 25 years. In his first season he won 5 dual meets and had a young man place at the State Meet. The Inkster Program was on the right track. The 1993-1994 team won the Suburban Athletic Conference Championship. His 1994-1995 team repeated as League Champions. His team posted an 11-4 dual meet record. The 1995-1996 Inkster Wrestling Team won the final Suburban Athletic Conference Championship. The team compiled a 12-3-1 dual meet mark and qualified two individuals for the State Meet. Sam was also chosen to be M.W.A. Regional Coach of the Year by his peers. He feels he had a very good career as a wrestling coach. He did not reach his goal of having a state championship. His record was 275-164-5. His teams have won 28 tournaments, been runner-up for the State regional twice and the State district three times. One of his wrestlers, John Lucas, won American Honors at Muskegon Community College and Sienna Heights College. Some of his accomplishments included being named M.W.A. Regional Coach of the year in 1979, 1982, 1983, and 1995. The city of Inkster also honored him with "Sam Ellis Day" on February 14, 1980. He has been Associated Newspapers Coach of the Year in 1979, 1982, 1983, 1993, 1994, and 1995. He served as the Michigan Wrestling Coach Association as Vice-President during the 1984-1985 season. He states that coaches need to be members of the M.W.A. in order to voice their opinions on wrestling matter in the State of Michigan. He has been active in the M.W.A. since 1973.

Sam is a long life resident of Dearborn. He resides with his wife of 24 years, Jennifer M. Ellis, their daughter, Meagan, and son Joseph. His daughter is a senior at Michigan State University. Joseph is a freshman at Medaille College in Buffalo, New York. Sam is currently employed by the East Detroit Public School District as principal of Oakland Middle School. He is in the process of completing his Doctoral Degree in Educational leadership at Eastern Michigan University.

Tim's journey with the sport of wrestling began in 1975, when John ("Nord") Nordlinger (Ann Arbor Huron's Athletic Director) convinced him that wrestling would help make him a better football player (...Tim's dad, tom, was the high school football coach). Under the guidance of Coach Ernie Gillum, Tim took 3rd place in the MHSAA class A State Tournament at 145 lbs. his junior year, and in 1979 he returned to win the championship at the same weight.

Tim then accepted a partial scholarship to wrestle for Dale Bahr at the University of Michigan. He lettered all four years (1980-83) while wrestling at 150 and 158 lbs. for the Wolverines. Tim's senior year, he was a captain, most valuable wrestler, and runner- up to All-American Receiver, Anthony Carter, as U-M Athlete of the Year.

After graduating from U-M, Tim became a Sheriff Deputy and asst. wrestling coach at Ann Arbor Huron under head coach, Tom Davids. (All-Americans Zeke Jones and Andy McNaughton were on the team).

In 1984, Tim decided to leave Washtenaw Country and use his teaching degree, police certification and coaching skills at Lake Orion High School. He was hired as an assistant football coach, head wrestling coach, and school-police liaison officer. In 1988, Tim dropped his football duties when he accepted the Assistant Principle position at Lake Orion but stubbornly kept his wrestling coach position. From 1984-1994, Tim, with assistance of Doug Kline and Paul Lumia, led the Dragons to a 141-31-1 dual meet record, five league titles, and 11 all-state wrestlers. This included in 1989 team that finished as the MHSAA Class A team runner-up, and returned to win the State Championship in 1990. Tim received the ?88-'89 and the ?89-'90 MWA Class A Coach of the Year award.

Tim left the coaching ranks in 1994, to pursue a job in his Father's business, Coach's Catastrophe Cleaning. While on his coaching break, Tim was chosen to work as an official at numerous MHSAA Tournaments, including two State Finals.

Tim got back into coaching in 2000, when his son, Casey White began wrestling at Walled Lake Central H.S. For four years, Tim and Kyle were in the corner when Casey finish his Jr. and Sr. years undefeated and won the D1, 189-poiund state title, back to back. Casey is now wrestling at the University of Michigan.

Tim may be the only one in the state history to have won the state wrestling title (1979), coached a state championship team (1990), refereed the state championships (1998-1999) and coached his son in two state championships (2003-2004). He is now a wrestling official again, owns Coach's Catastrophe Cleaning, and with his best friend and wife Sue, support their five children's' sports and academic careers. Tim would like to thank "Nord" Nordlinger, Ernie Gillum, Doug Kline, the MWA and all those who helped him grow and give back as he continues his 30 plus year journey in the great sport of wrestling.

I began my coaching career with my high school, coaching the year after I graduated. It was this experience that convinced me that I wanted to teach and coach for a career.

I student taught in Law...ton in 1979 and was an assistant coach with Stan DeVoir. The following year, I took the varsity job and we had five state placers including three runners up. The team placed fought at the State Meet and I was completely hooked on coaching wrestling.

I left for a teaching job in Woodstock, Illinois where I had the good fortune to serve as Varsity Wrestling Coach and in four years there we had the first four winning seasons they had ever known.

The following season I returned to Lawton to teach and coach. I was very fortunate to be blessed with outstanding young men with whom I worked with, and parents who were supportive and helpful. The Lawton Wrestling Program was family. It seems as though that was the only way to have a wrestling program, I never felt as though I had a coaching job, but a coaching pleasure. I can never repay all of the young men and their families for all they gave me, to my family and to the memories that I hold deep in my heart.

I was fortunate to work with some very talented young men and my highlight list includes coaching three state championship teams, fourteen individual state champions, 64 state medallist and two time top four NCAA Division I All American.

The most special memories are family related. I had the outstanding pleasure of having a team with three nephews on the team the same year. My wife Jennifer and my daughters Erin and Kristy were three of the best statisticians that a coach could ever dream of. My family from Jennifer's side has been there through it all, and sharing the fun with all of these people that I like and love added to the experience to an extent that it would not be possible to measure.

I would like to thank all the people who worked with our program, who made Lawton Wrestling a family. The coaches I worked with, especially Stan DeVoir who taught me many lessons in the course of coaching. I would like to thank Jennifer, Erin, and Kristy who gave to me, to the program and who encouraged me to serve the young men of Lawton.

I would like to thank the Michigan Wrestling Association. The camaraderie and the sharing of ideas and practices helped me immensely in my coaching career.

I coached my son, Steve. I coached with my son Steve as my assistant, and I coached against my son Steve when he was at Ogemaw Heights. Isn't wrestling a great sport. I grew up in Winston-Salem N.C.... and loved the sport of wrestling from the first time I stepped on a mat in Jr. High School. I have been involved in the sport as a wrestler, official, coach and fan ever since. It is the greatest sport in the world in my opinion. I coached Oklahoma at the Jr. High level before coming to Michigan as Pastor of The Grace Baptist Church. Gladwin did not have a wrestling team at the time. I played a lot of golf with their Athletic Director, Dick Johnson, and drove him crazy urging him to start a wrestling program. Finally he did and I am proud to have coached them for 23 years. Gladwin High School is a great place to work. I think we build a successful program there. I am proud to be part of Northern wrestling. The north has great programs and great coaches and have had success in spite of very few of them having Jr. High School programs.

Gladwin had a career record of 456 wins and 67 losses while Sam was coaching there. He had one State Champion and around 50 state medallists. Since going to the team format Gladwin High School advanced to the team state tournament 6 times under the guidance of Coach Wilson. His teams won many tournaments, district titles and conference championships. The thing that I am most proud of though, is the fact that several of my former wrestlers have gone into coaching and officiating. Three out of eight coaches in Jack Pine Conference past year were former Gladwin wrestlers under me. I am proud of that fact. Records never meant much to me. The sport like all sports is about the kids. I am hopeful that I had a positive influence on the life of the kids I coached. I know it brings joy to me today when they call or stop by to visit. Indeed wrestling is a great sport.

I want to thank the Michigan Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame for this award. It means a lot to me and I am sure the young men who wrestled for me. I want to thank Gladwin High School for the opportunity to coach and the support that was given by them through the years. I especially thank my family, my wife, Julie who has always stood by my side in the good times and the bad. My children, Steve, Shannon and Amanda. They also have been there for me in the wins and losses. I most of all thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for making my life worth living and giving me the joy that life can offer. Thanks to the many friends in coaching I have made through the years. A special thanks to the Grace Baptist Church who made it possible for me to coach. Thanks to the assistant coaches who have been there with me through the years. I now coach varsity football at Gladwin High School and love doing it; but there is still no sport like the greatest; WRESTLING.

Warren lost his parents at an early age. He was strongly influences by Dick and Helen Lockwood, Harry and Wilhemena Kaczynski, Bill Slaughter and Lloyd Eaton who fostered a love of sports.

Warren ...was an all state athlete at Belding High School in football, basketball, baseball and track ? also qualifying for the state finals in tennis.

He attended Alma College, did a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy and Returned to graduate from Alma.

He taught and coached at Mesick High School in 1963 and64, tried the USFL playing for the Rock Island Raiders until a broken back forced him to return to teaching and coaching at Memphis High School. In 1970 he moved to Rogers City where he was forced to retire due to heart problems in 1999.

Warren's career wrestling record at Rogers City was 54 tournament championships, 13 district championships in a row, 6 conference championships, and a 289-66-2 dual meet record along with 6 Regional Wrestling Coach of the Year Awards.

He and his wife, Yvonne, have three children and four grandchildren.

They would all like to thank the Michigan Wrestling Coaches for the prestigious honor.

I graduated from Bangor High School in 1962, having participated in football, basketball, and baseball. (Bangor did not have wrestling at that time). College graduation came four years later with a B....A. degree from Spring Arbor College. Three years of varsity baseball was the extent of my college athletic experience. In 1965 my wife Gail and I bagan what has become 39 years of fun together. We have two sons, Jack and Scott, who are both married and have two children each. Both Jack and Scott have been successful head wrestling coaches, but are currently not coaching. In 1971 received a Masters degree from W.M.U.

The first two years of teaching/coaching were at Concord High School, where I coached wrestling, football and track. Concord had never had wrestling and I had never seen a match. so it was definitely a learning experience for everyone! In 1968 we moved and I was given the head wrestling job at Portage Central along with a football coaching position. Being the head wrestling coach was a position I enjoyed for 30 years. During those 30 years Portage Central won 334 matches and lost 103; they won 16 conference titles; 8 district titles; 5 regional titles, and placed second in the state in 1996.

At the individual State Tournament, we had two champions, twenty-two placers, and over twenty others who qualified.

Coaching awards included three regional Coach of the Year awards, and in 1966 the Division II State Coach of the Year Award.

Any success we had was a total community effort. The assistant coached, athletes, parents, faculty, fans all contributed to an atmosphere that made the program fun and educational. I would like to thank the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame committee and everyone that contributed to this honor. Also, I want to extend a special thanks to my wife Gail.

Jack began his teaching and coaching career at New Lothrop during the 1969-70 school year. While spending the next five years there, amidst exceptional community support, he established his coaching ...philosophy as he furthered his belief in young people. Moving to Eaton Rapids in the fall of 1974, he once again had the opportunity to work with many supportive parents, community members and a host of hard working, committed and talented athletes. Fifteen years later he moved to Grand Haven as an Assistant Principal. Following the loss of his son Adam, he re-entered the coaching ranks in 1993 and the Buccaneers from Grand Haven began a tradition of excellence the continues under new leadership today. While statistics cannot describe the accomplishments of people, they may however reveal a story of success when communities choose to work together for the benefit of their children. Some of those statistics include; 56 individual State Medallist, 15 individual State Championships, a dual meet record of 311-72-3, 11 Regional Championships, 2 State runner up finishes, 4 State Championships, 12 time Regional, 3 time State Coach of the Year and 2 time Regional/National Coach of the Year.

I am grateful for the opportunities presented to me and am most proud of the sacrifices and commitment exhibited by so many young athletes in their search for excellence. As a result of these efforts the schools and communities of New Lothrop, Eaton Rapids, and Grand Haven have every right to be proud.

John started his coaching career at Belding High School. His introduction to wrestling came in his sophomore year at Eastern High School in Lansing, Michigan. As a junior, he placed 3rd in the state... championship finals and 1st in his senior year, The highlight of his high school wrestling was defeating the State champion twice that year. His 1955 high school team was inducted in the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. They were the first wrestling team to receive that honor. His coach, Don Johnson was a big part of the reason John decided to become a coach. Johnson's insistence on commitment, dedication, hard work, and self-discipline continued to influence John in his life as well as his coaching career.

John had a wrestling scholarship to Michigan State and received his reaching degree there. During his years at Michigan State he was 2nd in the Big 10, received the Walter Jacob Award twice for highest total points scored by an individual in one season, and was captain of his team. In 1960 he took 3rd place in the Olympic District tryouts. He was Michigan Open Free-Style Champion, and in the Ontario Championships placed 2nd in 1959 and 1st in 1960 and 1961. In 1962 he took 3rd place in the division I NCAA championships and had the fastest fall in that tournament. In 1962 the American Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association awarded him the honor of All-American.

He came to Belding High School in 1964 eager to fulfill his ambition to be a high school coach. He started out as football, wrestling, and track coach. Through the years at Belding, he was athletic director seven years. He started the Athletic Boosters Club in 1973. During the next four years, that Club subsidized the athletic reams of Belding when all other funding was discontinued. Students had to pay nominal fee, but the major portion was raised by the booster for all sports.

John's greatest sports love was always wrestling. He eventually devoted all his coaching time to the great sport and was Belding's high school wrestling coach for 29 years. The Belding wrestling team compiled 435 wins in those years. His teams attained 10 conference championships, 4 District crowns, and 3 Regionals, Belding was runner-up for the state championship in 1988. His teams produced 3 individual state champions, 2 second place finishers and 33 individual state medals. John has also coached a girls wrestling program. At the MHSGWA state tournament, the girls won a total of 14 medals. Three of those placed 2nd and one was the State Champion. The girls also earned four medals at the NHSGWA national tournaments.

John has received the honor of Regional Coach of the Year four times during his career and is also in the Belding Boosters Hall of Fame.

John says his biggest thrill was watching his wrestlers achieve their goals and then go on to make new goals. Most of them grew into awesome people who are credit to their community. As anyone who coaches wrestling knows, those who give all they have in this sport are winners.

The years of coaching wrestling and all that goes with it, have been very special to John and he would like to thank the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame for this honor.

In 1962 I started teaching and coaching at Williamston Community Schools, retiring in the spring of 2000. I wrestled in high school for Coach Ed Weede and with fellow Niles high school student, Short...y Jones (both inductees into the Hall of Fame). I wrestled at CMU and roomed with both Shorty and Don Mosley (who is being inducted into the hall of fame with me tonight). I coached wrestling at Williamston for 30 years. I was Athletic Director at Williamston high school for 15 years as well as coaching football, baseball and golf but my love is wrestling.

I've had the privilege of working with many fine young men and woman in the sport of wrestling. It is an honor to be selected as an inductee into the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame but without the support of great assistant coaches, wrestlers, parents and friends of our wrestling program as well as a strong Booster's Club, I would not be here tonight. They are what helped make out program a success --- they are Williamston Wrestling.

I've had the privilege of coaching 19 state champions, over 46 state qualifiers, one Olympic wrestler in MSU's Coach Tome Minkle and one wrestler training for the Olympics in Athens in 2004 ? Nick Simmons. We've been ICL Champs ? nine times; District and Regional Champs - sic times' State Champions ? once; Runners-up ? once; Regional Coach of the Year ? six times; Class C/Division III Coach of the Year ? three times; Lansing State Journal Coach of the Year ? once; Co-Coach of the LSJ team- once. Our record stands at 305 wins, 125 losses and 3 ties.

My wife Barb and I have three children and six grandchildren ranging in ages from two to sixteen (Hannah, Tucker, Raymon, Raychel, Sara, and Cory).

Thank you for honoring the Williamston Wrestling Program.

Don graduated from Muskegon Heights High where he played football and ran track. He graduated from CMU in the spring of 1962. It was at Central where he was introduces to wrestling by roommates Jim ...Mooney(fellow inductee) and Evan "Shorty" Jones (also former inductee). (Both were long time high school coaches in Michigan).

In the fall of 62 he was hired my Mona Shores Schools to teach in the Business Department and to start a Wrestling Program. He also coached football. His total career was spent at Shores, 39 years as Wrestling Coach (Retired 2001 from coaching) and 41 years as a teacher ? retired in June 03.

During the 39 years at Shores he amassed a record of 494-189-5. He coached the Sailors to four Valley Coast and 15 straight Lake Michigan Area Conference Championships. (During those 15 years Shores was 74 and 0 in dual matches). His teams won 20 city titles, 12 district and 2 Regional Championships. He coached 93 state qualifiers and 33 of those places in the state finals. He is very proud of being twice selected as Michigan Coach of the Year (76-77 and 98-99). He is most proud of the many athletes he has coached and the fact the thought the great sport of wrestling he has been able to touch their lives in a very positive manner.

Mr. Gaffner is a graduate of Williamston High School and attended Michigan State University before transferring to Central Michigan University, graduating in 1967.

In the fall of 1967, Ron began hi...s coaching career at Union City High School were he capped a five year career with two regional championships runner-up (1972) and selection as MHSAA "Coach of the Year" (1971).

In 1972-1973 Ron was a graduate assistant at Central Michigan University while completing his masters degree and then coached one year at Spring Lake High School before taking the position as head wrestling coach at Muskegon Community College in 1974.

During his tenure as head coach, the Muskegon Community College "Jayhawks" were consistently ranked in the top ten nationally in the National Junior College Athletic Association. He has a twenty three year record at MCC of 304-73-3 against two and four-year college competition, which tanks him in the top four nationally among NJCAA coaches. Coach Gaffner had an overall coaching record of 364-103-3. As head coach at MCC, Ron won six consecutive Michigan Community College State Championships (1974-1980), thirteen NJCAA Region XII Championships and his teams have had ten MJCAA top then finishes and two undefeated seasons.

Ron has coached seven MJCAA individual National Champions, thirteen NJCAA finalists, sixty NJCAA All-Americans, eighty-nine NJCAA Region XII Champions, twenty-eight MCCAA State Champions, ninety NWCA Academic All-Americans and ten Junior Pan American team members. These team members won five gold and four silver medals.

Coach Gaffner was also very active with the National Junior College Coaches Association. He served four years as president, five years as vice-president and was secretary-treasurer for one year. He was chairman of the NJCAA National Team Rankings Committee (12 years), chairman of the NJCAA Hall of Fame Selection Committee (8 years) and a member of the NCAA Hall of Fame Committee (5 years). He also served as coach of the Junior Pan American Team to Ecuador (1977) and was Chief of Mission for the team to Mexico (1979).

In 1980 Ron was selected "Coach of the Year" by the National Junior College Coaches. He was inducted into the NJCAA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1981 and was voted wrestling "Man of the Year" by the National Coaches Association in 1986.

Two things coach Garffner is most proud of during his coaching career at Muskegon Community College is the selection of seven of his former wrestlers as MCC "Student Athlete of the Year" and three of his former National Champions (Russ Swanson, Tim Smelser and Jeff Steele) being selected to the National Junior College Wrestling Hall of Fame.

The sport of wrestling has been very good to coach Garffner and he would like to take this opportunity to thank the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame for this very special honor.

Grandville High School. Tom began his coaching career as an assistant wrestling coach at St. Catherine's High School in Racine, Wisconsin in 1972. After two seasons, he moved to Marlette High School a...nd served as Head Coach for one season. The Red Raiders were 14-5 that season. The 1975 he took reigns at Grandville High School, where he coached for 23 seasons. Tom retired from coaching in 1998 at Grandville, where his teams posted a 412-53-5 record. During his tenure at Grandville, Tom coached one State Championship Team (1993) and one Team Runner-Up (1992), nineteen OK-Red Conference Championship Teams, twenty-one District Championship Teams and 9 Regional Championship Teams. The bulldogs also had 88 dual meet winning streak between 1982 through 1987. Individually, Tom has coached 9 State Champions, 51 All State Wrestlers and 2 High School All Americans. Presently, Tom is coaching the Grand Valley State Wrestling Club. The Grand Valley State Wrestling Club had won the National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championship the past two seasons. In that short span, GVSU has had twenty-five All Americans and eight National Champions. Tom along with Dave Mills, the Forest Hills Central Coach, and Mike Glane, former Grandville State Champ and Ohio State Academic All American are attempting to revive the wrestling program at Grand Valley State.

Tom has served on many MHSAA wrestling committees. He was also active in the Michigan Wrestling Federation hosting Developmental Tournaments at Grandville High School all twenty-three seasons. On the international scene, Grandville High School hosted the Japanese Exchange Teams in 1989 and 1997.

Tom is extremely proud of his former wrestlers particularly those who have gone on to coaching careers. Pat Whitcomb, Head Coach North Idaho College, Tom Barker, Head Coach at Grand Rapids Union, and his son Kelly, the new Head Coach at Jenison High School.

Tom and his wife Pegge are still teaching in the Grandville School System.

A fellow student and coach who recognized a competitive spirit and advantageous size introduced Larry Steward, a long time athlete, to collegiate style wrestling at the YMCA of Huntington, Indiana in ...1959. By the time Larry graduated from Huntington College in 1962, he had developed a real love for the sport.

Larry has been involved in some type of coaching: football, track, basketball, tennis or wrestling for the majority of his teaching career.

Larry began coaching wrestling in 1964, at Ionia High School. The athletic director, Charles Kohloff asked him to start a wrestling program for the school. At that time, he was coaching a basketball team, and had not yet learned the proverb "It is better to have wrestled and lost, than to have played basketball!" What followed was a 36 year commitment to coaching young men in the sportsmanship of wrestling.

Larry spent 31 years as Head Coach at Ionia High School. During that time, he also served as treasurer, as well as, secretary of the Wrestling Association for several years. Before retiring from the teaching profession, he gave the Varsity Coaching position up, and was Assistant Coach for 3 years. Even after retiring, he was asked by the administration to continue helping with the wrestling program and spent 2 years as Assistant Coach after his retirement.

During Larry's Wrestling career as a coach, he was proud to have 5 state champions among his wrestlers. He also had 32 qualify for the state tournament, 19 of which placed in the tournament. In 1973, Larry's Ionia Wrestlers were Class B Team Runner-Up at the State Tournament.

The cumulative win/loss record of Larry's teams was 165-415-5, certainly nothing to brag about, but winning was not the main objective. He worked to teach his wrestlers to "Never Give Up!" and helped them learn many important life and character lessons. Many of the hundreds of wrestlers Larry coached, never placed or even qualified for state competition, some may have never even won a match. He was always proud of his wrestlers, but had a special respect for the individuals who persevered and worked hard to improve. The most important thing to "Coach Stew" is that many of them did qualify as respectable citizens in life: becoming doctors, lawyers, Certified Public Accountants, Airline Pilots, business owners, valued employees, and caring parents. Some even decided to follow in Larry's footsteps to become teachers and coaches. In fact, one of Larry's former wrestlers coached his son, Kevin, who qualified for the State Tournament, as well as Junior College Nationals. It is Larry's sincere hope that, through coaching, he had a positive influence on every young man he came into contact with.

Fraser High School. Al was the Head Wrestling Coach at Fraser High School for 27 years. Prior to that, he also served as Head Coach at Albion College for 2 years while teaching at Starr Commonwealth ...for Boys and obtaining his Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University. His records for those 29 year's of head coaching is 270-161-9. During his tenure at Fraser, Al had one state champion, 26 state placers, and 48 state qualifiers. Fraser won 4 league titles, 3 Team District titles, and 1 Team Regional title.

Kastl served as the President of the Michigan Wrestling Association for 8 years. He has also served on numerous wrestling committees for MHSAA. Al is currently the State Chairman for Michigan USA Wrestling, having served that capacity for the past 12 years. He is a member of the USA Wrestling Board of Directors, the USA Wrestling National Coaching Staff, and the Chairman of the Greco-Roman Sports Committee. During this time with USA Wrestling and the Michigan Wrestling Federation, he has served as a coach or team leader for Michigan Teams and US teams that have competed on 5 continents in man's oldest and greatest sport. The pinnacle of his coaching experience was being selected to serve as the Team Leader for the 1996 Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestling team in Atlanta.

"Above all", Kastl states, "the best part about being involved in wrestling is the great camaraderie and respect that exists between wrestlers and coaches. We are indeed a band of brothers united by a common bond of our sport. The aura that surrounds our sport does not exist in any other sport - - that is probably why there is such a great correlation between our sport and life. I feel very honored and lucky to have been involved in this sport; it certainly has been a key to my growth and development as a person. It has always been a goal of mine to improve the quality of our sport, to do what is best for our young athletes, and to help improve the existence of our sport in the state of Michigan."

If Dan Pantaleo could summed up in one word it would be "perseverance". While he may have lacked the traditional wrestling background (getting a late start in the sport in 10th grade), he made up for... his lack of experience by being a tenacious competitor who never gave up. Two years after being introduced to the sport of wrestling, Dan placed 3rd in the High School State meet after posting a high school career record of 78-12-1. In 1981 he attended Olivet College, and under the tutelage of legendary coach Jare Klein, began a story-book college career as one of the most winnings NCAA III wrestlers ever. He was a three-time All-American, placing 5th, 2nd, and 1st in the NCAA III national meets. Additionally, he excelled in the classroom gaining Academic All-American status in 1984 and 1985. Capping off his career with a National Championship (1984) and a runner-up finish (1985), Dan's college record stood most valuable wrestler twice, and in 1991 was inducted into the Olivet college Hall of Fame. In 1999 he became the only wrestler from the state of Michigan to be inducted into the NCAA III Hall of Fame.

After graduating from Olivet, Dan's love for discipline led him to the United States Marine Corps, where he has risen to the rank of Major. He remains active in wrestling and in 1996 (after an eleven year lay off) he won the All-Marine wrestling trials in Quantico, Virginia. He then competed in the Armed Forces wrestling championships, where he won tow of three matches against nationally ranked competitors. Eager to continue his association with wrestling, Dan was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy as an instructor and assistant wrestling coach in 1998. He served in this three year assignment with distinction and was awarded with personal decorations from the Academy's Superintendent. Dan's current assignment is at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. His wife of 15 years , Jacqueline, has been his greatest fan, attending nearly every one of his high school and college matches. His wrestling legacy continues, as his son (Joseph, age 11) and daughter (Amanda, age 9) are also active as competitors.

Jim came to Dundee High School in the fall of 1970 after coaching 3 seasons in Ohio, where he had a record of 20-7-1. Under his tutelage he quickly built a program that has become on of the dominant ...wrestling dynasties in the state, rivaling its neighbor Bedford in both support and success on the mats. From 1970 to 1977 he achieved a record of 91-12-1 including 45 consecutive dual wins. He left coaching in 1977 for health reasons. From 1985 to 1987 he coached at Monroe Jefferson, crafting a 28-4-1 record. He returned to the mats at Dundee in 1990-91 taking over a team that finished the previous season with only eight and a 4-21 dual record. He began the 1990's with an 18-4 record, Jim would go on to lead Dundee to an outstanding record of 194-12 (92% wins) from 1990-91 through the 1997-98 season. Included in his record for the 1990;s is a new state record of 74 consecutive dual wins and four consecutive Team State Championships from 1995 to 1998.

Dundee's first crown came in Class C-D, now Division IV in 1995 with a 26-1 dual record. Their season title came in 1996 when the Vikings were 33-0. In winning their third title in 1997 the Vikings were 26-2, losing only to Bedford, a state semifinalist in Division I, and Eaton Rapids, the State Champion in Division II. Many coaches have said that Jim did the best coaching job of his career with his 1998 team. He took four experience seniors and mixed them with five freshman, two sophomores, two juniors and a first year senior in the other 10 weight classes to mold 4th consecutive Division IV Dual Championship Team. In 1998 team posted a 23-0 record while defeating the number two, three, four, ranked teams on their way to the state title.

Jim Wittibslager is no stranger to dual wins. His record stands at 333-36-3 (90%) including a record of 285-24-1 (92%) at Dundee. During his last four seasons at Dundee, his Vikings had an incredible dual record of 108-3 (97%). This record was assembled while wrestling many larger schools in order to provide the best competition.

Jim's wrestling program at Dundee was characterized by its discipline. Jim credits self-discipline in particular for much of his team and program's success over the years. In a testimonial letter Jim at his retirement banquet, longtime head coach at Bedford, Bill Regnier wrote: "What I like most is attitude you wrestlers have both on and off the mat. They accept victory and defeat gracefully."

In 1995 and 1997 Jim was selected "Division IV Coach of the Year" by the Michigan Wrestling Coaches' Association. In 1998 he was selected "Wrestling Coach of the Year" by the Michigan High School Coaches' Association and "National Coach of the Year" by Wrestling USA Magazine for his outstanding performance in 1998, as well as his consistency over a period of time. In saluting his great accomplishments in high school wrestling, longtime coaching rival John Quaderer of New Lothrup said, "Jim Wittibslager was a coach who was able to take the kids athletically where they could not take themselves - - He is admired by his peers for his great accomplishments.

Jim and his wife Pat are currently enjoying their retirement in Ludington during the summer months and in Florida during the winter.

Bill introduced wrestling into Rogers City School's athletic program in 1970. Armed with meager knowledge of the sport, coaching skills and a love for kids, Bill started a program that would become a ...winning tradition (as of this year we have had 28 consecutive winning seasons).

Realizing that summer camps would increase the skill level and develop a spirit of camaraderie, Bill started taking young wrestlers attended fifteen camps as far south as Virginia, north to Marquette. Along the way they would visit many famous landmarks from the Grand Canyon to Washington D.C.

In 1973 coach Barrett built a wrestling room in his home. Wrestlers and non-wrestlers were always welcome to visit, wrestle, canoe, and /or sauna.

In 1982, after thirteen years as head coach, Bill Barrett was forced by a heart problem to step down from his coaching duties. Has coached the team to a 143-38-2 record and was awarded three Coach of Year Awards.

In1989, Bill was forced to resign from teaching due to severe heart problems. He never missed a beat with his unwavering loyalty to the wrestling program and continued as a statistician, keeping a display case, providing first aid, and mentoring/tutoring all wrestlers in academic duress. Barrett also ran the Jr. High wrestling program for five years.

Bill has now directly involved with the sport of wrestling for 31 years. He is totally honest, ethical, caring and sincere.

Former Michigan State wrestler, is the perfect example of an athlete who wouldn't quit. Muir walked on to Michigan State's wrestling team with almost no prior experience. As a red-shirt sophomore Mu...ir became a big Ten Champion and Collegiate All-American. He earned three Varsity letters, and was a member of three Big Ten Champion Wrestling Teams which placed no lower than fourth in the NCAA Tournament. He was given the Outstanding Senior Wrestler Award in 1971 and was President of MSU's Varsity Club. He graduated with Honors in pre-med Biology. Tom was the winner of the Hannah Award, presented to the outstanding student-athlete at MSU, was given the "Citizenship Award" by the Lansing Downtown Coaches Association, and perhaps his greatest collegiate award, the Big Ten Conference Medal ? given to the student who demonstrated the greatest proficiency in scholarship and atheletics. In spite of repeated knee surgeries, Ton continues to compete after graduating, and become a National Freestyle Champion, an alternate on the 1976 Olympic Team, and represented the united States in competition against Japan, Poland, Iran, Russia, Canada, Mongolia, Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, and Germany posting a 15-2 record. He also served as an assistant wrestling coach at Michigan State for three years.

Tom has been the head wrestling coach at Grand Ledge for several years where he has produces many state qualifiers.

Note from Grady: Tom Muir epitamised every unhearled high school wrestlers dream. To walk on to a major college wrestling program, make the team, earn a scholoship, win championships and represent his country in international competition. In the above quests, Tom passed out in the wrestling room and hi physician said that, "if he continued wrestling it could cost him his life." Tom was so dedicated that he chose to gamble and wrestle, stating that, "he just could not give up the sport."

I have had some more successful wrestlers but I have never had one that commanded my respect more than Tom Muir.

His dedication to the sport has been equaled by only a few and I would have been proud to have had my own son coached by him.

Don gained an interest in wrestling by watching the wrestling team at Shelby under the direction of Gary Darling. Gary got Don interested in officiating wrestling.

Don was involved in officiating ...wrestling for 24 years. He also coached at Ludington for two years to get the program started. He had the opportunity to work the state finals 13 times, covering all classes. Don became involved in college officiating by working marches at Muskegon Community College. He was fortunate to officiate several of Chris Taylor's matches. Chris is one of out Hall of Fame inductee.

Don officiated 9 times at the Junior College National Finals, He also worked at the Division II College Nationals and at the Sunshine Open and Orange Bowl Classic in Florida.

In the north country, Don was famous for his shirt and clippers methods of fulfilling the old hair code. He did an excellent job of promoting the sport to school principals to promote discipline. Don did not like to be approached by a coach during a match but would always listen to what a coach had to say and if wrong he made the change.

A quote from Don, "I enjoyed every minute of my association with young men. I had the opportunity to meet and develop friendships not only with them but numerous fine coaches. My officiating experience was in large part of a pleasant one."

Chuck began his twenty year wrestling career in 1963. He started his career with a "can do" attitude reading books and attending clinics which brought much success to the Constantine wrestling progra...m. Chick earned a nickname of Book Colley during his first few years of coaching the sport.

Coach Colley actively recruited students from the hallway to become wrestlers which helped build the program into a solid competitive program. Constantine was one of very few schools to field a wrestling team in the early sixties, so the schedule included many large opponents. The competitive scheduling is one reason for the programs over all success.

Chuck was instructional in starting the Constantine Invitational in 1973 which is still held each year. Even though he has been retired Chuck continues to manage the Constantine and all MSHAA tournaments.

Constantine was the unofficial (wrestling was not yet a league sport) league champion every, year the team record over his twenty years of caching was 195 wins, 103 losses and 4 ties. His teams had only one losing season in twenty years, won the first C district tournament, won over twenty invitational tournaments, was represented in the state finals every year but one and had a high of six wrestlers have become wrestling coaches. Chick and his wife Linda have two children, Chris and Michele and one granddaughter.

Former wrestlers and their parents are among Chuck's most lasting and treasured friendships.

Jerry Hoffman had been a teacher and involved with Michigan High School and college athletics as an athletic trainer, referee and coach for over forty-three years. He has served the sport of wrestlin...g in several capacities, i.e., Michigan Wrestling Association President, wrestling committee, worked with the high school and college Japanese wrestling cultural exchange and organized several summer high school freestyle tournaments. Jerry promoted the sport of wrestling as an official gaining the honor of working the State final tournaments for ten consecutive years.

Jerry was introduced to the sport of wrestling at Central Michigan University. He is very thankful and proud to be a Central Michigan University football alumni. His coaching career began at Whittemore-Prescott High School, then moving to Swartz Creek, Alpena, Saginaw Valley State College and Bay City Western High School.

Jerry's coaching background: two metro league championships, six Saginaw Valley league championships, eleven District championships, eight Regional championships, three State runner-ups, ten individual State Champions (two undefeated State champions), sixty-four State place winner, four collegiate all-Americans, two Metro league coach of the year awards, Genessee County all class coach of the year award, two Saginaw Valley coach league coach of the year awards, twelve District and Regional coach of the year awards, two Michigan Division 1 coach of the year awards, 1 Michigan all Division coach of the year award and nominated for the 1993 national coach of the year award. Jerry's wrestling statistics are : 107 tournament championship wins out of 170 entries, 1965-1996 dual meet record; 430-61-3.

Jerry is very thankful for the support of his family, wife Kay, children Ton, Ned, Jan, Bob, Eric, Ger and his eight grandchildren, Sarah, Justin, Dan, Julie, Heather, Amy, Amanda kay, and Jake. He is also grateful for the opportunity to have worked with all the fine people associated with wrestling, i.e., the high school parents, booster and mat clubs, fans, and other coaches.

Over the many years of being involved with wrestling, my association with great athletes and the help of my assistant coaches is why I am here tonight receiving the honor of being inducted in the Coaches Hall of Fame.

Jim Trumble has been coaching varsity wrestling for 33 years. He wrestled at Lansing Sexton High School on the 1959 State Championship Team under Iggy Konerd. He wrestled at C.M.U under Dr. Richard ...Kirchner from 1959-1964.

Jim started coaching Varsity Wrestling at Alma High School in 1964. He has coached numerous wrestlers into state placers alone with three State Champions. Jim's coaching record is 370 wind and 125 losses along with seven conference team championships. He was named wrestling "Coach of the Year" for Class B in 1973.

Jim has been a member of one M.W.A. for twenty-nine years as well as a wrestling official for over twenty-five years. Jim was involved in M.W.A. State rankings during the 1970's. He has also served on many MHSSA Wrestling committees. With his help, Alma High School successfully hosted State Finals in 1972. He also coached Football at Alma High School since 1964 and was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Jim along with Bob Threloff and Mike Doran was responsible for organizing the Central Michigan Wrestling Club with six area school districts. This program is designed to teach takedown fundamentals for our young wrestlers, kindergarten through middle school age. Due to its success, this program has grown to now include eleven area school districts.

Jim's two sons B.J. and Reid not only wrestled and played football under him, they also put in many hours helping set up for the wrestling tournaments. All of these accomplishments would not have been possible without the support of his wife, Ginger. She taped most of his matches and tournaments over a period of twenty years. She did all the typing of stats during his coaching career along with being part of the "working team" at the State tournaments Alma High School has hosted over the years.

Jim's career in wrestling along with football was truly a family affair which helped make all of these years of coaching so memorable.

He attended the University of Michigan, spent two years in the U.S Army, then attended Central Michigan University where he receive his under graduate degrees in mathematics.

He has been a member o...f the Michigan Wrestling Association for 31 years and the National Wrestling Coaches Association for 20 years. He is a Life Member of the Michigan High School Coaches Association. He was the Class B Vice President of the MWA for three (maybe four) two year terms.

For 34 years, he was the head wrestling coach at Oscoda High School. He started a junior high program in the 60's and a kids program in the early 70's. His dual meet record is 431-154-7. Oscoda holds the Class B record for consecutive dual meet wins at 58. Oscoda had three state champions (one two time undefeated state champion) five runner-up, and number of place winnders.

Judd was the MWA Regional Coach of they Year in 1977,78,81 and 199. He was the MHSCA Coach of the year in 1992 and the National High School Coaches Association of the Year, Region 4 in 1993.

Judd and his wife Nancy, have been married 44 years. They have two daughters, Lisa and Kari and one grandson Eric.

Dean McKay was involved in the sport of wrestling for over fifty (50) years. He began his wrestling career as a sophomore at Landing Eastern High School during the 1947-48 school year. He became Mic...higan's first State Champion and first two-time State Champion, winning back-to-back titles for Lansing Eastern in 1948 and 1949, at a weight of 95 pounds. He then spent four (4) years in the United States Air force. After his discharge, he wrestled at Michigan State and Central Michigan Universities.

He began his coaching career in 1962 at Corunna High School where he coached his 1964 team, which included three (3) State Champions, to a state runner-up trophy. He left Corunna to coach at Livonia before moving to Ovid-Elsie where he started the wrestling program in 1967 and served as head coach for two (2) years before taking a job in administration. In the past thirty (30) years, Dean officiated wrestling, coached football and track, and served as an assistant wrestling coach at Ovid_Elsie High School. He retired from teaching in 1992.

Dean's wife Sylvia and their three (3) children wish to thank Ovid-Elsie and, especially, Jim Maidlow for making Dean's dream come true ? to be able to be involved with the team during the last month's of his life. Dean passed away on August 3, 1998, after a hard fought battle with leukemia.

Alice Riggle began volunteering as a pairer in wrestling in the late 1960's when her husband worked as a mat official. He encouraged her to continue and they worked together until his death in 1991. ... Still active, she has served as Michigan Pairing Director for more than twenty years, serves on the Michigan Wrestling Federation Executive Board, and is Treasurer for the Wrestling Federation Officials Association. She is a member of the United States Wrestling Officials Board and is also on the Advisory Council for Pairing in the United States.

Alice works tournaments every weekend during the Freestyle season and has volunteered at more than 1000 events in her long career, most of which have been in Michigan. However, she has also been assigned to such prestigious events as World Team Trials, Pan Am Championships, World Cup, Grand Prix, Olympic Festivals, Olympic Trials, Pan Am Games, and in 1996 was one of only four assigned pairer at the Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Throughout the years she has won numerous awards including Outstanding Pairer in Michigan in 1986, the first Ivan Olsen Award in 1986, and the Bernie Norris Award (Pairer of the Year) in 1998.

Alice taught school for 35 years with most of it being in the Reeths Puffer District in Muskegon. She was one son who is a Baptist Pastor in Jackson, five stepchildren, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ron Schultheiss has been involved with Michigan wrestling for over thirty years. He has serves the sport of wrestling in several capacities. Ron gained the position as head wrestling coach in Charlo...tte in 1967 and remained in that position for ten years. During those ten years his teams earned a record of 158-16-2. During his tenure, his teams won three league, five district, two regional and one state championship. Collectively, he has thirty-three individuals qualify for the state meet, twenty of who placed in the finals. In addition, coach had one wrestler that received the honor of High School All-American.

While serving as the Charlotte coach, he was nominated for Regional Coach of the Year seven times and was the Class B Coach of the Year in 1976. He was also nominated for National Coach of the Year.

After coaching wrestling at Charlotte, he joined the coaching staff at Olivet College where he serves as the assistant wrestling coach for thirteen years. While coaching at Olivet College he was successful in recruiting several Michigan wrestlers, giving them opportunities to further their careers in both education and wrestling. During his coaching career at Olivet, the college had eleven All-Americans. In 1982 he was given the opportunity to coach the Junior World Freestyle Team in Hungary.

Since beginning his coaching career in wrestling, Coach Schultheiss has always been active in the Michigan Wrestling Association. In 1976 he served as Historian and was responsible for creating The Michigan Wrestling Association Record Book besides serving as Hall of Fame Chairman and Clinic Chairman for the Association. He was also responsible for starting the 100-win Certificate Club.

During his career in education he served on various MHSAA wrestling committees. He has also promoted the sport as a wrestling official for twenty-five years, gaining the honor of working the state tournaments.

Schultheiss is responsible for starting the underclassman tournament at charlotte, appropriately named after one of his state champions, Dave Burns. This tournament haas been held for thirty years.

During his coaching career at Charlotte his wife Judy and daughters Kim, Laurie and Melissa shared many trips together. Coaching wrestling at Charlotte was truly a family affair for the Schulteiss family. Ton thanks his family and former wrestlers for making this honor possible.

Evan "Shorty" Jones, as he is known to most, coached for 31 years. His career started in 1961 at Lee High School in Wyoming, Michigan when he initiated the wrestling program that went from a 0-9-1 re...cord the first year to a 13-0 record the fifth year, bringing his team to a Conference Championship.

Shorty then relocated to Jackson High School where he would continue coaching for 23 years. Through an ever-changing program, he managed to win two Conference Championships, had a number of State qualifiers, State place finishers, and two undefeated State Champions. He was also voted as City Coach of the Year for the City-County ALL STAR MEET on three separate occasions.

In 1989, while he continued to teach at Jackson, an opportunity presented itself to become the wrestling coach at Michigan Center High School. This would prove to be one of his biggest challenges, but his most rewarding. In his final three years of coaching, he won three Team Districts and one Team Regional. He also had one undefeated State Champion and five State place finishers, and was named Regional Coach of the Year twice. Shorty has also served on the M.H.S.A.A. Rules Committee. He is known to be a quiet man with strong convictions and a coach who gets the job done. He has always had an avid following of parents & supporters, and earned the respect of other coaches as well. The dedication and loyalty of his long-time assistant, Mike Ykimoff, is only one example.

Wrestling played a major role in Shorty's life. Having wrestled only in his senior year at Niles High School, it opened the door for him to attend Central Michigan University where he wrestled four more years.

Shorty and his wife, Linda, still live in the community of Michigan Center where they raised their only child, Cari Lynn. He is still involved with the youth today by teaching Phys. Ed. at Jackson High School.

In 1968, a young aspiring coach left the Marshall High School wrestling program after 11 years to take over the reins of a struggling intercollegiate team at Olivet College. Now nearly thirty years l...ater, Head Coach Jare Klein is about to gain his 500th career dual match win (496-112-6) as a collegiate coach and join only a select few that have ever achieved such lofty success. Known as an individual that will always go out of his way to help all students whether they are athletes or not, Coach Klein is one of the most respected faculty members on the Olivet campus. His constant willingness to counsel students and become involved in their successes as well as their failures has made him a favorite of the student body for many, many years.

In twenty nine years as Head Coach, Jare Klein has developed a Division III perennial powerhouse within the wrestling circles. His 496 dual match victories and his .811 winning percentage ranks him first among all the active Division III wrestling coaches in America. Consistently ranked within the NCAA top twenty ratings, Olivet College has dominated the region's small college wrestling championships for many years. Prior to the discontinuation of wrestling as a conference sport with the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1985, Coach Klein's Comet wrestlers captured 10 league titles in fifteen years that included a stretch of nine in a row. Within the conference, the Comets produced an unbelievable 58 individual champions along with 5 of the Comet wrestlers being chosen as the Most Valuable wrestlers within the league. At the national level, Coach Klein has produced 14 All Americans along with an additional 30 Scholar All Americans within the Division III ranks.

Highly regarded as a motivational speaker at banquets and clinics, Coach Klein often uses these opportunities to share some of his experiences that includes being selected 10 times as a coach for the USA National Wrestling teams that have traveled throughout the world in various competitions. Currently serving as an Executive Officer for the NCAA Division III wrestling committee, Jare also maintains his MHSAA wrestling official's certification that is entering its 35th season. Coach Klein has been inducted into the Olivet college Athletic Hall of Fame (1994) and to the NCAA Division III wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame (1992) for his various contributions to the sport of wrestling.

Jare is a native of South Bend, Indiana and had been married to his wife Marcia for 40 years. He still touts the glories of the Fighting Irish through two of his five children by naming then Rockne and Gipp. Klein gained his Bachelors degree (1957) and Masters degree (1961) from Western Michigan State University.

Coach Jare Klein has proven himself a winner among his wrestlers and among his peers as he continues to develop championship quality teams. He is the mainstay of Olivet College coaching staff and thrives on the challenges facing today's professors as they attempt to promote individual and social responsibility both in athletics and in everyday life. Coach Klein has definitely made a positive difference in hundreds of young people's lives and plans to do so for many, many years to come. He has proven himself to be a true "CHAMPION" in every sense of the word.

Jim Stallings was introduced to the sport of wrestling by his high school football, wrestling and track coach, Warren Spragg. He has been involved with wrestling in Michigan for the last 37 years. D...uring that time, his love of athletics and working with young people has been an important part of his life.

He began his career at Romulus High School where he participated in wrestling, football, track, basketball and baseball. When Jim entered Hillsdale College in 1962, he was ready for the wrestling mat, the grid iron and track events. His accomplishments included being a 10 letter winner and captain of the wrestling team. Upon graduation from Hillsdale, he entered the high school coaching ranks at his alma mater, Romulus High School where he coached football, wrestling and track from 1967-1974. While there, he coached the Eagles to prominence in state competition.

In 1975, Jim moved to Trenton High School where he is currently coaching. The Trojans consistently sport powerful individuals and teams in area, league and MHSAA tournaments. For the last 26 years Jim has teamed with Tom Bluhm to help develop outstanding wrestlers and fine young men. His wrestling teams have compiled 323 wins, 117 losses, and 3 ties.

Jim is proud of the honors he has received during his coaching career. He was named Coach of the Year by associated Newspapers (3), Mellus Newspapers (3), MIWCOA (2), and MWA Regional (6). He is a member of the Michigan Sages. Jim's work with the Michigan Wrestling Association includes being Vice President all classes, President. Executive Vice President Class A, Rating Chairman and Chairman of the Committee to establish the MWA Hall of Fame at Rose Center.

In AAU he worked with the Japanese Wrestling Cultural Exchange, coached the state freestyle team in the nationals, and coached the Michigan Junior World Wrestling Team twice. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Wrestling Club and editor of their Newsletter. Jim also served as secretary, treasurer and vice president at carious times.

Jim is very thankful for the support of his family: wife, Sherry and children, Bradley and Christy. He is also grateful for the opportunity to work with all the fine people associated with wrestling ? wrestlers, parents, wreslerettes, fans and other coaches.

Coach Zervas started his wrestling career at Hazel Park and had the opportunity to wrestle on the very first team at Hazel Park. After graduating from high school he attended the University of Michig...an where he wrestled and played football. He graduated from U of M with a BA degree in education and then started his career in teaching and coaching. Steve taught for thirty-six years at Fitzgerald High School. During his tenure in education he coached football, track and wrestling. His coaching career in wrestling totaled thirty-four years. During those thirty- four years his teams compiled a record of 295-192-2. Under his leadership his teams won two regional and one league championship. He coached eighty-three state qualifiers and fifteen of the young men placed in the state championships. Three of his former wrestlers proved to be outstanding. John Wojciewchowski played football at MSU and for the Chicago Bears. Jim Miller was the former head coach at Ferris State and now serves as an assistant at CMU. Dave Robertson is the head coach at Corunna High School.

Steve loved the sport of wrestling and was instrumental in helping organize the Oakland County Coaches Association and its' annual tournament that is so well known throughout the state. He served as president for five years. Steve also found time to be in the political arena and served as the Mayor of Hazel Park for twelve years.

He is a member of Michigan Sports Sages and Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Steve and his wife Bonnie have three children and six grandchildren.

Art Gillespie is a pioneer to the sport of wrestling having started one of the first association with wrestling came as a student at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor during 1942-44. He is a Western Mi...chigan University graduate with five letters in football. In 1945 as a Navy V-5 Midshipman, he found himself at Northwestern University and wrestling in the Big Ten. Art's coaching career covered stays at Boyne City and South Haven, where he coached football. basketball, and track, In1956 he moved to Alpena where he developed many fine athletes and teams, with one state champion to his credit, In 1986 he retired after 38 years of teaching and coaching. He resides in Alpena with his wife of 48 years. Art is a member of the Alpena Sports hall of fame, M.H.S.F.C.A., and W.M.U. Hall of Fame. He cared about the sport of wrestling and especially the kids involved in the sport. He often held clinics for the parents and fans to create more interest in the sport.

John Harris of Shepherd High school started the Shepherd Wrestling program in 1965 at the request of students from a physical education class. For the nest 30 years a strong bond was built between the... community and the wresting program.

During the 30 years of coaching Harris' team won 19 conference championships, 12 district titles, 7 regional and 3 state runner up. Although the States highest achievement narrowly escaped the Shepherd teams on three occasions, the "Bluejays" were always expected to make a good showing in dual meet and tournament competition.

In the process of trying to help his wrestlers achieve their individual goals Harris has produced 96 state placers and 17 individual State Champions along with being name Regional Coach of the year nine times and twice named Class "C" Coach of the year. In 1995 Harris was recognized as the State Wrestling Coach of the year. That ceremony was held in Cromwell, Connecticut.

The 30 years of coaching have left great memories and very few regrets. Many close friendships gained through the years and all that fellow coaches have shared with him are appreciated.

Above all, Harris wishes to thank the great sport "wrestling" for giving him and his family an opportunity to be part of its history.

"Coach" as he is affectionately called by students and teachers alike, began his wrestling connection half way through his senior year at Whitmer High School. His love for wrestling and his involvemen...t in wrestling came only after his love for a certain young lady (Carol Stagg), who eventually became his wife. And together they forged a niche in the history of Bedford Wrestling and Michigan High School Wrestling. Not an outstanding wrestler in college (two thirds in the MAC), Regnier with the help of many, many coached, wrestlers, grapplerettes, cheerleaders, and fans brought a new dimension to Michigan Wrestling-it's called TEAM. The mules, beginning in 1976, were "The Team" to contend with year in and year out in Michigan Wrestling.

Bedford put together a string of 25 consecutive Great Lakes League Championships and they captured 26 in his in his 30 years of coaching. Grinding out a 500-57-3 dual meet record in those 30 years (5th in the Nation), the Mules always accepted the challenge of the "best" in the state, including the Best in Ohio. Bill's teams have won 20 District Championships, 19 regional championships, 4 state runner-up trophies, and 9 state championships (a record class "A"). He has also coached 25 individual State Champions, 98 State place winners, 12 High School All-Americans, and 9 Collegiate All-Americans. HE has been named the Monroe County Coach of the Year 6 times, Michigan All Classes Coach of the Year 2 times and was selected as the 1992 National Wrestling Coach of the year by the National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches Association. Also in 1992 his 1992 State Champions were selected for the True Value MHSAA Sportsmanship Award.

Bill's wife, Carol. has been his lifelong companion and helper of 32 years. His son, Michael, wrestled for him and is currently a lawyer in a solid firm in Toledo. His daughter, Lori, was a cheerleader for the wrestling team and is currently in sports information at Duke University.

Masaaki has been a great contributor to the sport of wrestling since coming to America. He was a NCAA runner-up and NCAA champion while attending Oklahoma State. During his wrestling career he was a... National Champion in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman plus the 1962 World Silver Medallist in 1967 and operates in conjunction with the Michigan Wrestling Club and Michigan Wrestling Federation. Many high school wrestling state champions have practiced and been coached by Mr. Hatta and some have continued on to college and international wrestling competition. The list include Bill Davids, Steve Fraser, Carey VanderHagen, Tom Davis, John Craig and most recently Bob Losey. Coach Hatta offers individual coaching in the three wrestling styles: Folkstyle (or collegiate), Greco-Roman, and Freestyle. The Michigan Wrestling Association thanks him for his contribution to wrestling in the State of Michigan.

Coach Haugh graduated from Findley College where he lettered in wrestling and was recently inducted into the University of Findley Athletic Hall of Fame. In his 42 year career in coaching, Ed has spe...nt almost all of those years in wrestling. He has been instrumental since the beginning of the Traverse City wrestling program. Since taking over as head coach in the program, he has produced 33 state qualifiers and 20 state place winners including son Larry's two state championships. He advanced six wrestlers to the Regionals in 1991, eight in 1992, every year as varsity coach. In 1991, 1992, and 1993, Ed coached Traverse City Trojans to District championships. Coach Haugh is a twenty year member of the Michigan Wrestling Association. Ed and his four sons who wrestled in high school.

Mark ahs dedicated his life to education and to the youth nation wide through his officiating of wrestling. He was an official for thirty years and during this time had the honor of working fifteen S...tate Tournaments. Mark was selected Michigan High School Official of the Year in 1979. During his career of officiating he has had the honor of working twenty National Tournaments. National Catholic-NJCAA-NAIA-NCAA Division I, II, and III. Mark is only on of two officials that has been selected to work a National Tournament at every level. He also had the honor of working on of the great dual meets in history. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State. Mark was the founder of the West Michigan Wrestling Association where young officials were motivated and trained. The Michigan Wrestling Association wishes to thank Mark for his dedication to Michigan High School Wrestling.

Kent started his coaching career at Fowlerville high school after graduation from Western Michigan University in 1969. He moved to Sturgis in 1970 and coached the Trojans 19 years before retiring as ...head coach. During his tenure at Sturgis hi teams won 228 duals while losing only 28. Under his leadership Sturgis won 9 conference titles, 7 Districts, and 4 Regional titles. Kent coached twenty state placers and had three state champions. Kent was also instrumental in directing the 1976 Rule's Film "Ready Wrestle". Besides coaching at the high school level he worked 15 years evaluating officials at the NCAA tournaments. Kent helped promote wrestling at several schools in Southwestern Michigan and was co-director of Camp For Hill for young wrestlers just getting started in wrestling. Coach Roberts was very active in the Association and has been a member for 26 years.

Rod Rapp has been a leader in wrestling in the state throughout his coaching years. The story starts with his high school career at Lansing Eastern where he was a State Placer three times. As a soph...omore he took 6, a junior he placed 3, and as a senior he placed 2. He was the Outstanding Wrestler both his junior and senior year. In College at Central Michigan University he was Captain his senior year and was the Most Outstanding Wrestler for the conference. He placed 5 at the Nationals. His coaching career started at Mt. Pleasant High School in 1964 and continued for the next 25 years. He built a dynasty in wrestling where his record was 301-86-1. He took 22 White Pine Conference titles out of 25, numerous District and Regional titles, 6 team State Championships, had 18 individual state champions and 49 medal placers, and was voted Coach of the Year two times. His wrestlers held many outstanding honors: Mike Mills-the first wrestler to be a four Time State Champion; Pat Boyd-the three time State Champion that held the National Record for Consecutive Wins; Joe Mills-was an All-American; and John Hartupee-a three time State Champion and a runner up at the NCAA Finals. He had two wrestlers voted to the High School Dream Team and four voted to the High School All American Team. Rod continued his career as a n assistant coach at Central Michigan University for 4 years after retiring from high school. Rod was an early leader in promoting wrestling in the state and was active in the Michigan Wrestling Association during his coaching career. Wrestling has been Rod's life.

Jim Walker was a leader in wrestling in the Greater Lansing Area and state during his coaching career. He coached for twenty five years in the Lansing area after graduating from Eastern Michigan Univ...ersity. During his career at Eastern he built a strong program posting an outstanding record of 187-33-2. His teams over the years won 15 conference championships, 14 district titles, 7 regional titles and the 1972 team won the Class A State Championship. Under his leadership, the school also placed runner up twice in the state and finished third twice. He also was instrumental in coaching 13 individual state champs and 36 state placed finishers. Several of his wrestlers went on to have a successful college career; Kevin Jackson-Iowa State, Torae Jackson-Iowa State, and Jeff Therrian-Michigan State University, among others. Besides having outstanding wrestle, he himself was voted regional coach of the year by his peers six times during his career. Jim had the honor of coaching Kevin Jackson, Gold Medal Winner in 1992 Olympics, and is a current member of our Hall of Fame.

Graduated from Ann Arbor Huron High School, a state champion in 1985 who placed three times in the Junior Nationals; was a three-time NCAA All-American at Arizona State, winning three Pac 10 titles; w...restled internationally, highlighted by a 1991 World Championship, 1992 Olympic silver medal, and, bronze medals at the 1991 Pan American Games and 1990 Goodwill Games; and, was the U.S. Nationals champion from 1989-91 and 1993, Michigan's WC 1993 International champ and the tournament's most outstanding wrestler. Jones is the assistant wrestling coach at Arizona State University.

Broke into wrestling as a high school competitor from 1956-1959 at Bay City Handy High School, furthering his education at Central Michigan University where he was third in the Mid-American Conference... in 1960. He reinstituted, then coached at Handy from 1965 to 1969, giving way to coaching until 1970 at Bay City Central High School, where he served as athletic director from 1970-1973. Ed became athletic director and assistant principal at Bay City Western from 1973-1985. He now has been a counselor their for the past eight years. His affiliation with wresting spans 33 years of officiating, including work in the Big Ten, MAC, Michigan Open, Midwest Junior College Tournament and the Michigan High School Athletic Association, where he has worked 18 years in Finals events.

Began his coaching career and Lowell High School in 1960. With 32 out of 33 winning seasons under his belt, Gary has amassed an overall record of 418 wins, 99 losses, 6 ties. He ahs coached 25 state... medallists and 4 state champions. The Red Arrows have won 18 conference championships, as well as 10 district and 4 regional crowns. In his 32-year tenure, Gary has seen 11 Lowell wrestlers win more than 100 career matches. He ahs been selected Regional Coach of the Year three times and in 1986 was the Class B Coach of the Year.

Toughened himself up for AAU wrestling tournaments in the 1950's by working at the Oldsmobile Factory in Lansing after graduating from Lansing Eastern High School and while attending Michigan State Un...iversity. Duane started the wrestling program at Fenton in 1964, achieving 3 Flint Area, 8 Regional, 1 MHSCA, 1 Detroit News, 3 Michigan coach of the year honors and induction into the Lansing Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1990. His teams have produced 15 league titles, 14 district crowns, 10 regional championships, three state championships, a runners-up effort and finished in the top 10 on 17 occasions. During Duane's 23 years, 85 league champs, 41 regional champs, 59 all-staters, 10 state champs and 2 All-American wrestlers have been crowned

Lansing Eastern

Ann Arbor High

Grand Valley State University

Kingsford

Central Michigan University

Michigan State University

Galesburg Augusta

Shelby

Fremont

Central Michigan University

Niles

Flint Northern

University of Michigan

Battle Creek Central

Pontiac Central

Lansing Eastern

Western Michigan University

Ann Arbor

University of Michigan

University of Michigan

Iowa State University

Michigan State University

Michigan School for the Blind

Lansing Eastern

Michigan State University

University of Michigan

Lansing Sexton

Kalamazoo Central

Michigan Wrestling Club

Ypsilanti

Pontiac Northern