THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

HONOREES 2000-2017 Honoree Russ Cozart Class of 2000 Coach

Coach Cozart started his coaching career in 1976 at Upland High School in California. After two very successful years he became coach of Chamberlin High School in Tampa, Florida, where he coached Glen Goodman, a four time Florida State Champion. In 1980 Brandon High School had a winning streak of 75 meets when Coach Cozart took over the program. Brandon High School had not lost a match. Coach Cozart continued “The Streak” and Brandon High School holds the record for the longest number of winning dual meets in the history of high school sports. During his career, Coach Cozart has won 26 Florida State Championships! In 2016 Coach Cozart was honored with his induction into National Federation of High Schools Hall of Fame. He is a 4 time National Champion and a 5 time Worlds Veterans Champion. Honoree: James Husk Class of 2000 Coach

Coach Jim Husk began his coaching career in 1964 at Archbishop Curley High School in Miami. During the next five years his teams won 54 meets while losing only 8 times and coached 10 state champions. In 1969 Jim went to Southwest Miami High School where his success continued. He became coach at Miami Southridge H.S. where his teams won 7 state championships and amazed a record of 365 and 27 state champions. During his career, Coach Husk has been honored by many organizations but two of his honors, which stand out, are being named Coach of the Year in the State of Florida 8 times and twice being named National High School Region 3 “Coach of the Year”. He continues to coach at Miami Columbus High School. He will have served over 53 years as a coach! Honoree Mort Geller Class of 2000 Official

Mort Geller officiated virtually every major wrestling event in the world. His travels have took him to six European Championships, six Continental Games, nine World Cups, and 35 World Championships. The summit of his career was the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Geller became involved in wrestling when his son, who would become a 6th place winner in the World Championships, started competing. He began his international officiating career in 1973. He has served as the Chief Official and board member for the Wrestling Federation of Israel. Geller credited his development as an official to Steve Evanoff, Billy Leeds, Ed Garber, Harold Rosenberg, and Dick Torio. His adventures with Rick Tucci and Chuck Almeida and their evaluations of each other assisted in his growth as an official. Mort was awarded the FILA Gold Star at the 1997 Veteran’s World Championships. He was recognized as one of the best clinicians in the country. His influence and philosophies can be seen in many of today’s top officials. Honoree: Rick Tucci Class of 2000 Official

Rick started his coaching career at West Virginia University as a graduate assistant in 1967 and in 1969 was named coach of Miami Dade Community College. During his tenure in college coaching he had 6 National place winners and a coaching record of 112-1- and in 1976 had an undefeated season. He retired from coaching in 1979 to continue his career in officiating. He has refereed in numerous Florida State Championships over the years. Rick is renowned in the world of international wrestling. He officiated eight Olympic Games and 75 World Championships at the Senior, Junior, and Cadet levels! Rick served as member and chairman of FILA Officials Council. He was presented the FILA Golden Whistle in 1988 and Awarded two FILA Gold Stars. He has served as President of USA Wrestling Officials Association. In 2001 Rick was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and in 2016 into the United World Wrestling International Wrestling Hall of Fame. USA Wrestling Honoree: John T. Vaughan Class of 2000 Outstanding American from Florida

One of the oldest sport’s most avid supporters, John T. Vaughan’s unbridled passion for the sport had an immeasurable affect on the growth of wrestling. During his collegiate wrestling career John lost only one dual-meet match and his senior year won every match by a fall. He coached the Cleveland Central YMCA team and in 1940 and 1941 his teams were crowned YMCA national champions. It is, however, off the mat that John made an indelible mark. He was one of the founders of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, with the establishment of an endowment fund and served as President and Chairman of the Board of Governors In 1992 was inducted as a Distinguished Member. John and his wife Helen served as a national sponsor of Greco-Roman Team USA. The U. S. Association for Blind Athletics and USA Wrestling have also been the benefactors of the Vaughan’s generosity. Honoree: Harriette Weller Class of 2000 Contributor

In 1975 Harriette started her wrestling involvement when her son started wrestling in high school. It was the beginning of a fantastic journey with the sport that led to many places, great friends and 25 years of personal enjoyment. Father Michael Devine talked to Harriette about how the post-season competitions were a main ingredient for the development of the sport of wrestling in Florida. Harriette volunteered to work at the pairing table and 25 years later she became involved as a state board member, Harriette served as Florida Sunshine State Games Director, for Pinellas County Officials Association and for the Florida High School Activities Association. Through the years she was fortunate to work many Regional and National Championships and qualifying events across the United States. She worked with many local high school officials as the Booking Commissioner, and also worked many Districts and Regional Tournaments as well as the Florida State High School Championships. Honoree: Charles Almeida Class of 2001 Coach/Official

Over a 31-year period Chuck Almeida has officiated high school wrestling and in fact has done everything connected with officiating wrestling on all levels. He was a state tournament-wrestling official seven times and has worked every major tournament in the United States and international level championships with merit. From 1976 until retirement in 1990 Chuck officiated every United States Olympic Trials. On numerous occasions at the National Championships, Chuck acted as head official and clinician. In 1984 he was named an official for the Olympics in Los Angles and again in 1992 when the Olympics were held in Barcelona. During his career he officiated over 30 World Championships at all levels. Finding time to coach at Miami Northwestern and Miami Killlian High School, Coach Almeida had 5 Florida state champions. in 1989 he was named USA Official of the year and in 1993 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from USA National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Honoree: Brian J. Bain Class of 2001 Coach / Official

Coach Bain began his wrestling career in Florida in1972 serving as assistant and also head coach at George Jenkins High School In 1978 he was responsible for initiating middle school wrestling in Polk County and has served to bolster the caliber of High School competition in the area.

In 1972 Coach Bain was responsible for forming the Tri-County Officials Association and served as an FHSAA Registered official for more than 30 years. Coach Bain in addition to his active support as a coach and official found time to organize and direct numerous FHSAA State Tournaments. Championships. Honoree: John Allen Davis Sr. Class of 2001 Coach

Coach Davis began his coaching career In 1970 began when he started a wrestling program at Richmond Heights Jr. High School. While producing a dual meet record of 98 and 5, Coach Davis was recognized as the USWF Man of the Year in Florida wrestling and in 1974 was named Coach of the Year in Junior High School Wrestling.

After 10 years as Junior High coach he became the head coach at Miami Killian High School for the next 8 years where he produced and 85-29-1 dual meet record. This included 15 State medal winners, 5 state champions and at least one wrestler in the state championship finals each year and a top 5 team finish at the state tournament 6 out of 8 years. Honoree: Monsignor Michael F. Devine Class of 2001 Outstanding American from Florida In 1967 through the encouragement of Don and Dottie Curtis, Father Devine began what was to become a long association with wrestling in Florida. Prior to his arrival in Florida he was head wrestling coach at Summerhill High School in Sligo, Ireland, where his teams won three national titles. He was coach of the Irish National team and the World Cadet Championships in Lima, Peru in 1974. In 1974 Father Mike organized the first Florida International Exchange when a Florida team visited Ireland, England and Scotland. He served as the Director of Florida’s International Exchange Program for over twenty years. He served as a delegate for Ireland at the FILA Congress during the 1996 Olympics and recently received the “Harriette Weller Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association. Father also has the distinction of being the longest serving mat official in Florida having just completed his 35th year. Father Mike was founding pastor of St. James Church, Port Richey and during his time there, the congregation grew to seven thousand members. He was instrumental in building a church and school. In 1995 he founded the Florida Rainbow Company to bring Protestant and Catholic families from violence torn Northern Ireland to live together for two weeks in Florida. Honoree: Steve Evanoff Class of 2001 Official Steve Evanoff was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame as the first distinguished member in wrestling in 1982. He was instrumental in starting high school wrestling in the state of Maine in 1952. This was one of many awards Steve would receive over a period of 35 years as a competitor, official and administrator.

He was a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee from 1969 to 1984. Because of this involvement it afforded Steve the opportunity to dine with kings, dance with queens, negotiate contracts with generals of armies and establish deep roots of respect and understanding with people of the free and communist countries of the world.

He served as Vice President of the International Governing Body of Wrestling as well as chairman of International Officials Committee. During his career he officiated 40 World Wrestling Championships, 10 European Championships and was a member of 7 Olympic teams. Steve was a 4 time recipient of the FILA Cross which is the highest decoration attainable in International wrestling and in 1984 in Leningrad he was one of six to first receive the Gold Whistle Award.

A frequent color commentator for ABC, CBS, & NBC sports specials, Steve was one of 6 to serve on President Nixon’s sport advisory committee and represented the Department of Defense on the World Military Sports. Honoree: Johnny W. Rouse Class of 2001 Coach/Official

Coach Rouse graduated in 1972 from the University of Central Florida but his personal wrestling career lasted until 1998, at which time he won the Masters Division at the National AAU tournament. When he retired from wrestling he had a personal career record of 300 wins and 100 losses. After graduation, Coach Rouse became an assistant coach at Central Florida until 1976 when he became head coach at Winter Park High School where he coached for 19 years until 1995. After leaving Winter Park, Coach Rouse again took over the head coaching position at UCF and developed the program into a national powerhouse winning many NCWA championships. During his coaching years his teams won over 400 matches. For 23 years Johnny officiated at all levels and in 1982 officiated the NAIA, National Tournament in Edmonton, OK. He made 2 films for the National Federation of High Schools as well as being involved in many wrestling organizations. In 2005 Coach Rouse was inducted into the UCF Hall of Fame Honoree: Captain Stephen Archer Class of 2002 Outstanding American from Florida

Captain Archer , husband and father, , 30 year Navy Captain, wrestler, official, contributor, US Olympic Committee member, National Secretary for AAU The late Captain Archer started his wrestling career at the US Naval Academy in 1932. From 1932 until his death in 1996, Coach Archer’s contributions to wrestling were worldwide. He began programs wherever he was stationed and helped establish tournaments, raised money for individual wrestlers, organized culture exchanges and promoted freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Captain Archer coached the All Navy team and served as a world- class officials who officiated several World Championships and 2 Olympics and was Awarded the FILA Gold Star

His wrestling contributions were many, but so was his 30 year Navy career, which included the following military decorations: Silver Star, Legion of Merit with a combat “V”, Bronze Star, Navy Commendation, Order of the British Empire, Order of George the First from Greece and a letter of Commendation from Fleet Admiral Nimitz for removing a demolition charge and two torpedoes from a Japanese Midget Submarine, which ran aground in Hawaii after the attach on Pearl Harbor. Honoree: Greg Bondurant Class of 2002 Official

In 1978 Greg became head wrestling coach at Lake Wales High School. The school had only won 4 matches in the previous 3 years and his 1st year they won 6 matches. In his 2nd year his team won the District Title and had an undefeated state champion in Tony Stewart. After the 1980 season Greg became the head coach at Winter Haven High School until 1983 when he started his career as an official. Greg has been an official in the Lake Region Wrestling Officials Association and has served as President the past 11 years. In 1995 he received the Superior Officials Award . Over his career Greg served as a referee at many state wrestling tournaments as well as serving as the head/ coordinating official. Greg also served as chairman of the FHSAA Officials Advisory Committee overseeing recommendations to improve the sport of wrestling. Honoree: Frank T. Brogan Class of 2002 Outstanding American from Florida

Frank T. Brogan, and his twin John, were born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He wrestled at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati. During his years at Moeller, he wrestled varsity three years for Coach John Parker, graduating in 1971. Upon graduation he went on the attend college at the University of Cincinnati. Frank assisted as a volunteer coach during his freshman year at UC. He was the youngest of six children and the first in his family to graduate from college. In 1976 his life as a Bearcat at UC ended with a bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to earn his master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.

Frank T. Brogan, 15th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida is best known for his leadership and commitment to Florida’s children and the teaching profession. A major accomplishment under his tenure was the establishment of programs for greater accountability to Florida Schools

For his accomplishments in Education, Civic Involvement, Program and Policy Initiatives, Lt. Governor Frank T. Brogan is now honored as the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s “Outstanding American from the State of Florida” Honoree: David Frayer Class of 2002 Coach

In 1971, Coach Frayer became head coach at Miami Military Academy. he also ran the North Miami Takedown Club and in 1974 he became the coach at North Miami Senior High School. While in Miami his teams won 72 dual meets while losing 46 and he coached 4 state champions. In 1981 Dave became head coach of Countryside High School where he coached until 2004 compiling a record of over 400 victories.

During his tenure, Coach Frayer coached 18 individual State Champions, 35 Regional Champs and 122 District Champions. The Cougars earned the State Title and Regional Title twice, and won the Conference Championship 18 out of the last 23 years. Coach Frayer was voted Conference Coach of the Year multiple times and was voted State Coach of the Year twice. He is the all time winningest wrestling coach in Pinellas County.

Coach Frayer also organized and coached the Bad Cat Wrestling Club in 1980 where he coached multiple national freestyle and greco-roman champions and placewinners. Coach Frayer organized and ran many club tournaments giving kids more opportunities to compete. Honoree: Gary Freise Class of 2002 Coach

Coach Freise started his coaching career in Sweethome High School in 1971. In 1979 he became assistant coach at Fort Myers High School and in 1982 was named head coach. During the 18 years at Ft. Myers his teams won 171 dual meets, making Coach Freise the winningest coach in Lee County’s 32 year history. While getting Ft. Myers wrestling program back on its feet, Coach Freise joined the Florida Junior National Team as assistant coach and in 1989 was named head coach. Coach Freise always emphasized the importance of off-season work and started the Fort Myers Wrestling Club in the 1980’s to build a feeder program for the high school. He has earned 24 coaching awards including Florida Coach of the year in 1998 and in 1999 the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Honoree: John A. Heyman Class of 2002 Contributor/Official

During the past 25 years, John has been pairing official, state chairman, Florida Amateur Wrestling Association Board member, Mat official and on the board of the United States Wrestling Officials Association. He has officiated world team trials and has been a FILA Official assigned to Russia, Bulgaria, Italy and Poland. He served as the National Weigh Master for USA Wrestling. John has been honored for Outstanding Service to the Southeast Region, State Chairperson Service Award and FAWA Official of the year. His achievements include: • 1997-1998 FAWA Official of the Year • Timer for the 1996 Olympics • Past State Chairman for Florida Amateur Wrestling Association Honoree: Jerry L. Biller Class of 2003 Coach

Dr. Jerry L. Biller arrived at Venice High School in the early 1970’s. His presence was felt almost as soon as he arrived. The wrestling team was not competitive or taken seriously, and the fan base consisted of parents and girl friends. Within a few weeks, Coach Biller changed the mindset, not only in his wrestlers, but also in the school. In his first season, a record number of boys tried out, the bleachers were full, and there were cheerleaders.

Jerry composed and distributed a Florida West Coast Newsletter in 1974, the first attempt to organize the west coast of Florida. The same year he hosted the first AAU State Championships in Florida. He has coached numerous AAU and USWA teams throughout the United States. Jerry has coached wrestlers representing Florida in 10 national tournaments and 3 international teams to Mexico, Panama and Venezuela. As members of the Venice wrestling club, his two sons were unbeaten in Florida Freestyle Wrestling Age group for ten consecutive years. They wrestled in over 90% of the tournaments held in the state. Honoree: John Lyzott Class of 2003 Coach

John Richard Lyzott started his wrestling coaching career as an assistant coach at Beech Grove High School, Beech Grove, In. In 1968, John became the head wrestling coach at McAuthur High School in Hollywood, FL. During the next 23 years, his teams won 282 matches while losing 28 and tying three. His teams won seventeen district championships and four Florida Team Championships. With 15 individual champions to his credit, he ranks among the top coaches for state titlists, once posting a consecutive unbeaten dual match record of 102-0 verses other Broward County teams.

Coach Lyzott was named Coach of the Year by the Sun Tattler fifteen times and Miami Herald Wrestling Coach of the year eight times. He saw McAuthur’s 71 dual match winning streak ends on Dec. 21, 1987. Honoree: Rob Hermann Class of 2003 Contributor/Coach

Robert Hermann, for more then 25 years has been involved with wrestling. He is a USA Wrestling Certified Bronze Level Greco-Roman Coach. Rob served as the head coach of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team, which won three silver medals. He has been head coach and assistant coach for numerous USA Wrestling teams including the World Championships and Pan American Games. Coach Hermann has been the head coach of the U.S. Navy team, where he has developed a number of nationally ranked athletes. In 1998, USA Wrestling announced the creation of the South Region National Training Center in New Orleans. The project was designed to provide a world-class training site for potential World and Olympic-class wrestlers. Coach Hermann was one of the program’s directors due to his strong background in coaching both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Rob, on two occasions, named USA Wrestling’s Greco-Roman Coach of the year. • 1976 - Florida State Champion • 1978 - All Navy Champion – Greco (G/R), Freestyle (F/S) • Interservice Silver Medal – F/S • 1979 - All Navy Champion – F/S – G/R • Interservice Champion – F/S – G/R • C.I.S.M. Silver Medal – G/R (Iraq) • Runner-up PanAm Team • Greco Roman Nationals – Third • 1980 - All Navy Champion – F/S – G/R • Inerservice Silver Medal – G/R Honoree: Michael E. McCoy Class of 2003 Coach

The late Michael Ellis McCoy was coach of South Dade High School for 14 years and a Florida Wrestling Association board member. He dedicated his life to wrestling and coaching young people. Mike’s high school was the recipient of his dedication as he developed talent where there had been no talent. He took a small 5-A school and turned it into a state powerhouse. He coached wrestling until he died a week before the 1997 state championship. His greatest work was at the state club level where he worked with young children and made them believe in themselves. He served as assistant coach at the 1994 Cadet World Team tournament. In 1996, he was named Wrestling USA National Kids “Coach of the Year”. Honoree: Bob Walker Class of 2003 Coach/Contributor

Bob Walker spent the past 23 years working to make Florida wrestling better as both a coach and contributor. His coaching career started in 1979 at Seminole High School where he coached the schools first state champion. He became the head coach for the World Class Wrestling Club a position he held for ten years. Bob coached his sons Ethan and David to multiple All-American honors in both AAU & USAW events.

In 1992, he wore another hat, when he was named an area director for the Florida Amateur Board and two years later became state chairperson. He was named USA Wrestling Southeast State Chairperson of the Year and two years later was named the National State Chairperson of the Year. Bob was a member of the 2012 Wrestling committee and an advisor to the Florida Sports Foundation. Honoree: Charles Zies Class of 2003 Coach/Official

Charles S. Zies started coaching wrestling in 1968, and coached more than 35 years. During those years , he coached on and was successful on all levels. He started coaching at Florida Christian School in 1975. Coach Zies wasvery proud of the fact that Florida Christian had an elementary wrestling program every year. The average elementary wrestling program has 30 wrestlers but Florida Christian has had over 100 wrestlers in the program.

As a junior high coach, his record was 52-22-1 and his high school record at the time of his inducdtion was 186-138-1. His wrestlers won 15 district championships and 3 regional championships. Coach Zies has hosted numerous wrestling camps and tournaments including coordinating clinics for Olympic Champion John and Ben Peterson. Coach provided a definite service to the wrestling community through his Cheap Charlies Wrestling Supplies. He has provided equipment for many national and international teams traveling to places like Mongolia, Siberia and Kasakstan. Honoree: Walter M. Allison III Class of 2004 Official

Walt Allison is one of Florida’s pioneer wrestling coaches. He began his coaching career as a junior high school coach at Palmetto Junior High in Miami in 1965 . Many of the wrestlers Walt coached went on to become state champions and place winners. Walt later became assistant coach at Palmetto High School and was named head coach at South Miami High School in 1971. In the 1980’s he served as an assistant coach working with Dave Frayer building a state power at Countryside High in Pinellas County.

As with so many coaches, Walt became a college and high school official in 1968. It is with the officiating role that he has had the greatest impact on Florida wrestling. Walt has refereed 20 State Championship Tournaments and was appointed five times to serve as Coordinating Official at the State tournament.

He was elected by his fellow officials to represent all wrestling officials to the FHSAA and has served on the FHSAA Official’s Advisory Committee. Seven times, Walt has served as the head clinician to mentor his fellow referees.

Walt recently retired after the 2017 season after serving 50 years as an official in Florida. Honoree: Jeff Davis Class of 2004 Coach/Contributor

John “Jeff” Davis is a member of one of Florida’s foremost wrestling families. Jeff was a two time State Champion for Miami Killian High School and went on to wrestle for the University of Florida. After graduation, he served as the assistant coach at University of Florida and organized the Florida Wrestling Club, which provided a vehicle for those wrestlers who wanted to wrestle all year long.

Coach Davis organized and directed the Sunshine Open, which was held in Gainesville. In 1977 and ‘78, he organized and directed the first ever Freestyle/Greco Roman training camps for the Florida Junior team in preparation for the Junior National Tournament and had the pleasure of organizing and directing the Florida Wrestlerettes. In 1990 and ‘91, Coach Davis was the event and tournament director of the USAW National Espoiampionships. Honoree: Steve DeAugustino Class of 2004 Coach

Steve DeAugustino comes from one of the first families of Pennsylvania wrestling. After graduating from the University of Maryland and completing a successful collegiate wrestling career, Steve made his way to Flagler Coast High School where he has served as head wrestling coach since 1980.

The Flagler Palm Coast’s wrestling program has been among the most respected in Florida. Steve’s record in 2004 was 273 -41-2. His teams have won fifteen District, seven Regional and five State Championships He has been named FHSAA Coach of the Year three times. He has coached eleven individual state champions . Honoree: Will Sargable Class of 2004 Medal of Courage

Wili Sargable certainly fits this criteria. At age three, Wili had his right leg amputated but this did not stop Wili from becoming a wrestle. Not only did he wrestle, but in 1989 before over 3000 attendees, he brought them to their feet for a minute long standing ovation as he won the Florida 152 pound State Championship.

He received his varsity letter from Central Missouri State University and became a teacher. Wili was an assistant wrestling coach and in 1999 was named head varsity coach, a position he still holds. In 2001- 2002, he was Hillsborough County Coach of the Year.

Will continues to coach at Riverview High School in Hillsborough County. Honoree: Ron Schultz Class of 2004 Coach/Contributor

Ron Schulz has been a fixture of Florida wrestling for over forty years. His contributions to the sport of wrestling are many. Ron has officiated for 31 years as well as being the director for the Seahorse Open the longest running annual tournament in the state. He was a Seahorse Wrestling Club founding member. His service has been varied. With FAWA he also severed as Florida state chairman, was a south area kids director, treasurer, and open director. Ron additionally was chair of the Broward County Coaching Association.

He found time to coach over 30 years at Nova High School, seven years at Broward Community College and was a three-year assistant coach at McArthur. Ron also made time to be director of international meets with USA teams vs. the USSR, Germany, Bulgaria, Canada and Japan. Honoree: Wayne Stapleford Class of 2004 Coach

After coaching for sixteen years in the state of Wisconsin, Wayne Stapleford moved to Florida to coach at Sebring High School. His success and contributions to Wisconsin wrestling have earned him inclusion in the Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame. Not content to rest on his laurels, Wayne quickly put together an outstanding record and coached three individuals to state championships at Sebring High School.

A member of Florida Athletic Coaches Association, the National High School Coach’s Association, the Dave Schultz Wrestling Club, Wayne has served on the rules committee and the Coaches Advisory Committee for the Florida Athletic Association. He has been active in all phases of Florida Amateur wrestling and is especially viable at State Championships as the Director of Media Services. Honoree: Ralph Ballou Class of 2005 Official/Contributor Ralph Ballou was committed to wrestling in Florida for many years. The Florida High School Athletic Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations both issued certificates to Ralph for 25 years of service.

The United States Wrestling Officials Association has documented 21 years of volunteer service to amateur wrestling for him at the regional, national and international level. These certificates only tell a small part of the story of Ralph’s efforts to expand opportunities for Florida’s youth in amateur wrestling.

Ralph served as an Area Director for the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association. When not helping to organize Saturday tournaments or officiate them, he promoted wrestling to athletic directors and principals to convince them of the importance of wrestling to their athletic programs. Ralph was responsible for establishing four new clubs.

When health problems kept him off the mat as an official, he pitched in to help his wife, Mary, in the pairing room. There was no area in amateur wrestling where Ralph wasn’t willing to help. Honoree: Dr. Kevin Carpenger Class of 2005 Coach Dr. Kevin Carpenger has been the Head Wrestling Coach at Lake Brantley High School since 1977. His overall record in 2005 consisted of 218 wins, 164 losses and 4 ties. He coached 98 State Qualifiers, one Champion and 9 placers. His team won the District and Regional Championships in 1991 He and his teams were recognized for their discipline, knowledge of the rules and overall sportsmanship.

Some of Dr. Carpenger’s individual accomplishments include: • 1982 Lake Brantley Teacher of the Year, • 1982 Five Star Conference Coach of the Year, • 1988 Florida Athletic Coaches Association District Chairman, • 1989 Scholastic Coach Magazine National High School Coaching Award, Wrestling Coach Gold Award, • 1992 Co-founder All Seminole County Academic Wrestling Team, • 1997 Florida Athletic Coaches Association Service Award 20 Years, • 1997 Florida Citrus Sports Coach of the Year, • 1998 Seminole County Coach of the Year, • 1998 Co-Founder Seminole County Female Wrestling Program, • 1999 The Sports Authority Award for Outstanding Athletic Leadership, • 2003 Established Central Florida Wrestling Coaches Charity Challenge Meet to benefit Hospice/Cancer Society, 20 • 2002-2004 Florida High School Athletic Association Wrestling Advisory Committee Board Member.

Dr. Carpengpported all phases of amateur wrestling. He has encouraged kids wrestling, girls wrestling as well as the high school program. Honoree: Joe Gicobbe Class of 2005 Coach/Official

Joseph Gicobbe’s career began as an assistant coach at Christopher Columbus High School in 1979. He quickly moved on to become Head Wrestling Coach at North Miami High School and then in 1995 he became Head Wrestling Coach at North Miami Beach High School. His records include: 230 wins, 95 losses and 2 ties. He had 6 State Champions, 66 State Qualifiers, 20 GMAC Champions, and 18 Regional Champions. His teams won 6 District Championships, 2 Regional Championships and were State Runner-ups in 1985. He also served as a Florida High School Athletic Association referee for 23 years.

Joe Gicobbe supported all phases of amateur wrestling often providing transportation for his wrestlers to tournaments. Joe is well known and admired for working with youngsters who were not the best citizens or scholars in his school. Using wrestling to instill a sense of discipline, Joe was able to help many youngsters develop into productive citizens. At least three of his State Champions were accepted, wrestled and graduated from Ivy League universities. Joe Gicobbe’s teams and wrestlers were always competitive but beyond his career records is the fact that Joe remained devoted to his tough Miami wrestlers mentoring them in more than wrestling techniques. Honoree: James Hazewinkel Class of 2005 Coach/Official

James Hazewinkel has been a wrestling coach for 33 years. After coaching at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, Minnesota, he moved to Pensacola Christian College in 1991. His overall coaching record is 304 wins, 184 losses, and 10 ties. He won 2 National College titles in Minnesota 1976 and 1980. James Hazewinkel established Pensacola Christians College’s first wrestling team and for a few years provided the only college level wrestling in the State of Florida. His accomplishments during his tenure in Florida included: 4 National Christian College Association titles 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998, 2 National Collegiate Wrestling titles 1999 and 2000. Since his move to Florida his program has produced 37 individual National Champions. He has been voted National Coach of the Year 5 times: NCCAA 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996, NCWA 2002. Since moving to Florida, Jim has also competed in the AAU Master’s Division and won championships in 1998, 2000 and 2004. Jim has already been inducted into four Halls of Fame: 1975 NAIA National Wrestling Hall of Fame, 1983 St. Cloud State University Hall of Fame (individual), 1997 Minnesota State Wrestling Hall of Fame and 2004 St. Cloud State University Hall of Fame (team). Jim’s contributions go beyond wrestling. In his own words, “I believe the Lord has called me to teach and coach. It is a ministry and I love working with young men who want to wrestle for the honor and glory of the Lord.” Honoree: Randy Jessee Class of 2005 Coach

Randy Jessee has been a teacher and wrestling coach for 30 years. His overall record is 545 wins, 42 losses and 1 tie. He has coached at only two schools. Bishop Moore High School 1975 – 1990 and University High School 1990-2005. He has coached his teams to top ten finishes in the state 20 times and has coached 14 individual State Champions. Randy’s coaching accomplishments include being an Orange Belt Conference Coach of the Year 10 times, Metro Conference Coach of the Year 9 times and the FHSAA Coach of the year in 1981. In 1983 Randy was a nominee for National Coach of the Year. He has been inducted into the Bishop Moore and the Metro Conference Hall of Fame. In addition to his busy coach career, Randy additionally has provided leadership with running or assisting wrestling programs sponsored by the Orange County Police Athletic League, the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association and the University of Central Florida. Honoree: David E. Laxton Class of 2005 Coach

David Laxton’s coaching career began in 1968 as a volunteer assistant at Davis Hills Junior High School in Alabama. After graduation from Auburn University he volunteered as Assistant Coach at JO Johnson High School in Alabama for two years. In 1975 David became Head Coach at Bob Jones High School in Augusta, GA. In 1979 he moved to Gordan County High School in Calhoun, Ga. David arrived in Florida in 1981 and began his tenure as Head Coach at Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Florida. For a short time he served as Head coach at Columbia High School at Lake City, FL. In 2004, David served as a volunteer assistant at Suwannee Middle School. He resumed the position of Head Coach at Suwannee High School in 2005. During his 18 years at Suwannee his team compiled a dual meet record of 206 wins, 24 losses and 2 ties. In 2005 he had 3 State Championships. Suwanee came in second 4 times and finished third in 1984 and 1999. Additionally, they’ve won 9 Regional and 13 District Championships. David was recognized as Gainesville Suns Coach of the year 4 times as well as earning the Florida nomination for National Coach of the Year in 1992. His wrestlers earned 10 individual state championships and 11 All American honors over the years. David’s personal achievements include becoming a USA Wrestling Bronze Level Coach, and serving on the Coaches Advisory Committee for FHSAA. He was the Team Coach for the 2000 National High School Coaches Association Florida National Championship Team. David has been a USA Wrestling Coach and Club Director since 1975 and in 1983 he was host of the first Father Devine Tournament. David is one of the founding Board Members for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame ~ Florida Chapter. In 2003 he was inducted into the Suwannee County Sports Hall of Fame. Honoree: Stan Amsler Class of 2006 Official

Stan joined the West Coast Officials Association in 1973. He has been officiating wrestling in Florida for 33 years and has served the West Coast Officials Association in every position including booking officer and training. Stan has trained and evaluated 14 officials who began their officiating careers in the West Coast Officials Association and were selected to work the FHSAA State Championships. Stan worked his first State Tournament in 1978. Since that time he has worked more than 25 Regional Tournaments and 14 State Tournaments. When Stan is not assigned to the State Tournament he works as a volunteer. He has attained the Superior Official status from the FHSAA. In 1990 Stan was selected as Official of the Year by the National Federation of Inter-Scholastic Officials Association. Honoree: Ira Fleckman Class of 2006 Coach/Official/Contributor

Ira has been involved in wrestling on every level. He was an athlete at the University of Georgia and a high school coach in Georgia, New York and Florida. Ira also served as State Chairmen, Secretary, Kids Director and Officials Director at the state level for FAWA and AAU. He has served on the coaching staff for the Florida National Team and as assistant or head coach on cultural exchange teams competing in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Japan. He has also been State Editor for Wrestling USA Magazine. Ira is a dedicated wrestling official. His excellence in officiating has qualified him to be a FILA Official from1990-1994 &1999-2004 (FILA is the International Association for Wrestling Officials). Ira has conducted officials clinics at many regional and national events. In 2003 Ira served as a volunteer staff member to the World Wrestling Championships held in Madison Square Garden, New York. Honoree: Gerald J Kuntz Class of 2006 Coach/Official

Gerald has 35 years of service to wrestling as a coach. He began his coaching career in South Dakota. Gerald notched 123 wins on his belt before coming to Florida in 1985. In South Dakota He coached at Wagoner Community School and Yankton High School. His wrestler’s achievements were, 73 Sectional place winners, 40 State place winners, and eight State Champions. His 1980 team went un defeated 14-0. Coach Kuntz’s teams finished in the top 10 in state eight times including state runner-up.

In Florida, at Boca Raton Community High School his wrestler’s accomplishments include, 159 District place winners, 63 Regional place winners, 22 State place winners, 2 State Champions, and 2 runner-ups. His teams were five time District Champions, four time District runner-up, and conference champions. Coach Kuntz has been Coach of the Year five times. His wrestlers have accomplished team if the year two times. One of his most notable accomplishments was running the FHSAA State Wrestling Championships from 1989 to 1991. Honoree: Tom Lota Class of 2006 Coach

Tom started the wrestling program at Tampa Jesuit High School while attending the University of Tampa. He coached at Jesuit High School for three years. After graduation he took a teaching and coaching position at Patterson Eastside High School in New Jersey. Two years later Tom returned to the University of Tampa as an assistant coach. For the next two years he also officiated high school wrestling including district and regional tournaments.

In 1976 Tom accepted the head wrestling job at East Bay High School in Hillsborough County where he coached for 24 years. During his tenure East Bay's dual meet record was 227-71. They were Conference Champions 8 times, District Champions 6 times, District runner-up 6 times, and finished in the top ten in state five times. His success and character enabled him to be named Conference Coach of the Year. Honoree: Frank J Pettineo Class of 2006 Coach

Frank has been active in coaching wrestling in South Florida for 25 years. He became head coach at Cardinal Gibbons High School in 1988 where he remains today. Coach Pettineo's teams have won 3 FHSAA 1A State Championships, 9 Regional Championships, 17 consecutive District Championships, and 8 Broward County Championships. His wrestler's accomplishments include 55 State place winners, including 12 individual State Champions, 51 Regional Champions, 132 District Champions, and 162 County Championship place winners. Cardinal Gibbons High School has not lost an individual dual meet in 14 years, and his individual dual meet record is 301-12 (425-18 including dual meet tournaments). His list of accomplishments include the 2005 Miami Herald Male Coach of the Year for all sports, 8 times Miami Herald Wrestling Coach of the Year, 7 times Sun Sentinel Wrestling Coach of the Year, 2 time State 1A Coach of the Year and he was inducted into the NCAA Division III Hall of Fame in 2003. Honoree: Scott Sherman Class of 2006 Coach/Contributor

Scott started coaching at Apopka High School in 1976. From 1977- 1983 he coached at Sanford High School and went back to Apopka High School in 1984. Scott went to Colonial High School as an administrative dean. His position prevented him from accepting a coaching supplement, so he assisted John Houser in 1987-1988. In 1994 Scott assisted Dan Huff with Colonial High Schools wrestling team. For eight years Scott developed and hosted the Florida College Duals, a Division III Dual Meet Wrestling Tournament. In 2000 the Tournament was designated as the Division III National Dual Meet Tournament with 24 teams participated in the event. In 2003 Scott began assisting Johnny Rouse at the University of Central Florida. In the three short years since he joined the staff, Central Florida has qualified 52 wrestlers for the NCWA National Championships, had 27 All-Americans, 8 National Champions, a 4th place team finish and been National Team Champions twice. Honoree: Robert Burns Class of 2007 Coach/Contributor

Bob Burns graduated from Penn State University in 1979. He began coaching wrestling at Clearfield Area Middle School, PA in 1980. He came to Florida in 1982 to Glades Central High School in Belle. From 1983 to 1989 he taught and coached at Pope John Paul High School in Boca Raton. His final move was to Deerfield Beach High School where he remains today. To his credit Robert has had 28 wrestlers go on to wrestle in college.

His honors include; 1982 Palm Beach County, West Division, Coach of the Year, in 1994 he received the “John Kingery Coaches Award, in 2001 he was selected as the Broward County High School Physical Education “Teacher of the Year”, in 2002 he was selected as the Deerfield Beach High School “Teacher of the Year”, in 2005 he was honored by the City of Deerfield Beach with “Robert Burns Day” on May 30th, 2005.

Bob helped to host the FHSAA State Wrestling Championships in West Palm Beach from 1990 to 1992. He hosted a 32 team holiday tournaments for five years. The finals were televised for several of those years. Bob has attained the highest levels of accomplishment in his profession as both a coach and teacher. Honoree: Juan Camarotti Class of 2007 Coach

Juan graduated from Florida Atlantic College in 1973. He was coerced into coaching wrestling in 1976. Armed with a pamphlet and a quick lesson from Rick Tucci he began his first season. That year they didn’t win any matches. Determined to learn more about wrestling he got on the mat. The next year they won two matches and he was beginning to get hooked on the sport. His third season he started taking his kids to off season tournaments. He met Jim Husk the coach at Southridge High School. Jim helped Juan, that year he and the kids had their first winning season. The following year Juan sold his car and bought a station wagon so he could take more kids to tournaments. That year they only had one loss.

The same year the Hialeah High School job opened up. Juan could coach the kids in high school he had already been coaching. But he didn’t get the job. He did however get the head coaching job at Miami Beach High School. During his first season he entered an opponent’s gym with only four wrestlers. One got hurt so now he was down to three. Juan decided to start a program at the Junior High. He bought mats for $500.00, paid to fix up an old school bus parked behind the cafeteria and he was in business.

Juan has spent his entire coaching career building programs and helping kids to grow up to be solid citizens. More than donating his time and money to help kids, he has dedicated his life to them. He has had tremendous success while coaching wrestling but the enormous challenges that he has faced and overcome defines his true character. He is one of the true gentlemen of our sport. Honoree: Pat Fairfax Class of 2007 Official

Pat wrestled in High School placing second in the state tournament in Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee and wrestled there for 1½ years. He began officiating in Tennessee in 1972. Pat moved to Florida where he has spent another 28 years officiating. He has spent 21 years as Booking and Training Commissioner for North Florida Wrestling Officials Association. Pat has worked over a dozen FHSAA State Wrestling Championships. He serves on the Officials Advisory Committee from 2003 - 2008. Pat has provided mementos for Officials at the State tournament for over 10 years. His generous nature has led him to provide wrestling shoes to disadvantaged kids at several high schools. He also provides his services to any high school in his area needing an official for parent’s night. Pat has been a member of the National Federation of High Schools since 1985. His accomplishments include; Head Official 18 years for the Flagler Rotary Tournament, 1986 Inter Service Wrestling Championships, 1986 Freestyle Senior Nationals, 1984 and 1985 Sunshine Open, 1997 Meritorious Achievement by the FHSAA for Wrestling, and in 1991 NFIOA Outstanding Wrestling Official for the state of Florida. Honoree: Terry Jones Class of 2007 Media

Terry Jones received an AA degree from Florida College, Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Mass Communication and Ancient History from the University of South Florida. He has covered the sport of wrestling as a journalist for the St. Petersburg Times (15 years), Tampa Tribune (7 years), and the Brandon News (6 years). During that time Terry has written dozens of articles reporting on wrestlers and coaches, programs and competitions. His writing style helps to promote our sport and edify fans and participants alike. In 1998 at the age of 57 Terry spent three weeks training and wrestling with the Brandon, East Bay and Gaither High School wrestling teams for a first person story for the St. Petersburg Times. He wrote first hand the grueling and intense training that high school wrestlers endure daily. Terry received a concussion and torn rotator cuff but the story was picked up by the wire! Terry has served as Senior Pastor at Christ Center Fellowship Church for 22 years. During that time he has officiated the wedding of three wrestling coaches. He has financially supported athletes in training for their Olympic quest. But most of all he has helped the average reader understand a little more about the sport we love. Honoree: Bob Levija Class of 2007 Coach

Bob wrestled heavyweight and graduated from Chicago State University. After coaching football at Winona State College, Minnesota he decided to relocate to Springstead High School as a teacher and football coach. Since the school didn’t have a wrestling program he decided to start one. After convincing the athletic director Greg O’Connell all that was left to do was raise the money for a mat, uniforms, scale and shoes for his first team. His first teams were made up of difficult kids many of whom caused a lot of trouble in school and were without direction. Bob’s love for the kids and the sport of wrestling changed lives throughout his career as a coach. He built one of the most successful wrestling programs in the state of Florida. Coach Levija worked his program year around helping his wrestlers compete in off season tournaments, attend wrestling camps and travel to US Regional and National Tournaments. His accomplishments include 16 District Titles, 12 Conference Titles, six Regional Titles, State runner-up in 1997, nine time conference coach of the year, who coached 7 individual State Champions and his teams to a record of 318-30-1 in 23 seasons. Bob is now the athletic director at Springstead High School where he can continue to mentor Eric Swenson, his replacement. Honoree: Victor Lorenzano Class of 2007 Coach

Victor began his coaching career at Waldron High School, Indiana in 1985. He began a new program at a small school with only 262 students in grades 6-12. His team compiled a record of 36-34-1 competing against much larger school since there were no divisions in Indiana. Waldron captured the Sectional Championship in only its fourth year of competition. It was the first Sectional Championship in over 25 years for the school in any sport. Lorenzano then moved to Florida to build another program from scratch at Gateway High School. In the schools fourth year of competition Gateway captured the first of four district championships. His teams compiled a record of 80-34-2. During that stretch his teams captured three conference titles, four consecutive District titles, two Region runner-ups, and four top ten finishes in the state. His wrestlers captured six 4th place finishes, one third, four runner-ups, and the schools first state champion. Coach Lorenzano then moved to St. Cloud High School to assist veteran Lee Sill in his final years at the helm. During those three years St. Cloud captured three District titled, one Regional runner-up, finished 9th and 6th in the state, and crowned two state champions in back to back years. His teams have since added seven Orange Belt Conference titles and eight additional District titles. In 2002 his team captured the 3A Regional and State Championship Titles. Coach Lorenzano has over 300 dual match wins in his distinguished career. Honoree: Bob Madge Class of 2007 Official

Bob began wrestling at Norland Junior High School in 1963. He went on to become a FHSAA State Champion at Norland High School in the 171 pound weight class. He was also team captain of the FHSAA State Championship Team. Bob continued his wrestling at Miami Dade Community College where he was team captain and two times Florida State Collegiate Champion at 167 pounds. Bob began his career as a fire fighter in 1976. He excelled in his career becoming a Fire Code Inspector and serving as Chairman of the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals. Bob began his officiating career in 1977. In 1982 he became the first FHSAA State Wrestling Champion to officiate the FHSAA State Wrestling Finals. His officiating career has spanned 30 years. During that time he has officiated countless tournaments, dual matches, District, County, Regional and State Championships. Bob officiated four years in the College Division at the Citrus Open. In 2000 he was inducted into the Broward Coach’s Hall of Fame as an official. In 2002 Bob served on the FHSAA Wrestling Test Review Committee and developed the first multiple choice test for officials for the annual exam. . Honoree: Earl Blackwelder Class of 2008 Coach

Earl “Sonny” Blackwelder was a college football player and nationally ranked power lifter. He joined the wrestling team at Auburn never having wrestled. In 1968 and 1969 he was the strength coach at Auburn. Over the next 27 years he coached wrestling and weight lifting at Opelika (AL), Largo, Boca Ciega, Countryside, Dixie Hollins and Indian Rocks Christian High School's. Coach Blackwelder pioneered High School weight lifting in Alabama. He hosted the first two State Championships in 1972 and 1973. Sonny has over 300 career wins as a wrestling coach. He coached with the World Class Wrestling for many years winning State Championships in Freestyle and Greco-Roman.

His off season clubs traveled to or hosted teams from Mexico, Puerto Rico, New Foundland, Turkey, Japan and South Africa. In the twilight of his career he had the determination to begin a brand new wrestling program at Indian Rocks Christian School. He coached there until his retirement in 2007. . Honoree: Jon Steven Henry Class of 2008 Coach

Jon wrestled in college at Buena Vista College and Northwestern College in Iowa. He has coached at Okeechobee, Cooper City, and, Royal Palm Beach High School's. His teams have won six District Titles and have been runner-up four times, won two Conference Championships, two County Championships and been runner-up twice, finished 2nd the Region three times and placed in the top 20 in the state 8 times, finishing as high as 3rd. He has been named Palm Beach County's Coach of the Year in 1991, 2001 and 2002. He has coached 74 District Champions, 153 Regional Qualifiers, 19 Regional Champions, 14 Region Runner-ups, 20 State place winners which includes five State Champions. His wrestlers have gone on to wrestle in Junior College, NAIA, and Divisions I, II, III. Three of his wrestlers have gone on to become college All-Americans including one National Champion. Honoree: Wilbert Johnson Class of 2008 Coach

Wilber Wrestled at Miami Dade Community College and Florida International University. He has coached at Richmond Junior High, South Miami, Homestead, Palmetto, Ransom Everglades and Killian High Schools. At Homestead he coached James Burgess who won a State Title, was Miami Herald Wrestler of the Year and played in the NFL. Another of Wilber's wrestlers was Derrick Thomas an Al- American at Alabama and All-Pro linebacker with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has over 200 dual meet wins as a coach. Wilber was a Team Florida National Coach in 1999. He was an assistant Coach of the Tour De Monde trip to Mexico City in 1999. He is presently President of a non-profit organization, Inner City Wrestling that brings in national level clinician's to inspire youth to succeed in wrestling and life. If all that wasn't enough Wilbert is an excellent official who has officiated three FHSAA State Championships and serves his Officials Association as booking agent. Honoree: Ron Jones Class of 2008 Coach

Ron Jones has been the wrestling coach at Sarasota High School for 25 years. He has over 300 wins as a wrestling coach. His teams have won seven District Titles, two Regional Titles and have been FHSAA State Runner-up three times. He has coached 14 individual state champions and over 70 state place winners. He has represented the USA as a coach on 12 international tours. He has been to Cuba, Italy, South Africa, Finland, Bulgaria and Japan. Coach Jones coached Chris Hayward a high school All American and two time college All- American. He coached Travis Smith and Sean Hocker the first high school teammates ever on the Dapper Dan All-Star Team. Other notable wrestlers from his stable include Bubba Browning USAW All American, high school All American Sky Thacker. Alex Brown was a four time Division II All American at Appalachian State. Honoree: John Moore Class of 2008 Coach

John wrestled in college at Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania. His coaching career began at Beamus Point High School in New York. He then moved to Bellgrove High School in Illinois. He had one State Champion, one runner-up and his team finished fourth in the state. In 1975 he became the head wrestling coach at Ocala Forrest High School. He retired in 1995 but came back in 1998 to help out. He currently remains an assistant there. Coach Moore has over 300 wins as a high school wrestling coach. He was a pioneer of wrestling in North Central Florida. His teams have won 14 District Titles and two Regional Titles. He has produced three state champions. One of his wrestlers, Troy Wiseman wrote, "I was a relatively poor kid from Ocala, Florida and what I learned on the mat and through coach Moore helped me to become a very successful entrepreneur. I built a $120 million clothing company called B.U.M. Equipment and subsequently, after selling out, built a $150 million financial service firm called Invest Inc… the impact of life lessons learned through coach Moore and Wrestling allowed me to achieve the American dream." Honoree: Rick Tribit Class of 2008 Coach

Rick is a graduate of Seminole High School and the University of Central Florida. He has coached at Lyman, Oviedo, Winter Springs and Osceola High Schools. He is a Bronze Level Instructor for USA Wrestling's coach's education program. His teams have won seven District Titles and 4 Regional Titles. He has coached 11 All-Americans including 1991 Cadet National Champion, Nicky Samero. He has been named Seminole Athletic Conference Coach of the Year five times, FACA Dairy Farmers 3A Coach of the Year in 1993 and FAWA Mike McCoy Memorial Coaches Award recipient in 1997. He was Athletic Director at Winter Springs High School from 1997 to 2005. Rick served as Florida National Team Director from 1993 to 1999 and again in 2008. He served as a national Team coach from 1991 to 1993, 1999-2004, and 2006 and 2007. Honoree: Sam Agresti Class of 2009 Coach

Sam graduated from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Sam has coached in Florida from 1974—2009 in Palm Beach County, 35 years! *Lake Worth High School 1974-82 record of 85 W 28 L *Santaluces High School 1983-2007 record of 236 W 75 L 5 T *Overall Coaching record 321 W 105 L 5T *62 Individual State Qualifiers, 21 Individual State Placers and 1 State Champion *Sam's teams posted 31 winning seasons, 5 undefeated seasons His awards include Palm Beach Coach of the Year 3 times, Sun Sentinel Coach of the Year 2 times, 2005 Palm Beach County Hall of Fame, Palm Beach Athletic Conference Coach of the Year 8 times, Sun Coast Conference Coach of the Year 2 times, NWCA 25 year Recognition 2006, Florida Athletic Coaches Association 300 Win Award. Sam is an Executive Member of this Board, and was on FHSAA State Tournament Host Committee 1989-92, and on the FHSAA Advisory Rules Committee four years. He was founder and tournament director for the Palm Beach County Wrestling Invitational. Honoree: Larry Blustein Class of 2009 Media/Contributor

Larry graduated from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and the University of Central Florida. He has been a sports journalist writing for the South Florida Sun Times.

He has announced the FHSAA State Wrestling Championships for 18 years. He has covered high school wrestling for the Miami News, Miami Herald, Hollywood Sun Tattler and the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel as well as Wrestling USA. He is also the originator of the Florida Kids Website.

Larry’s awards prior to this evening include North Miami Beach High School Wrestling Hall of Fame, and Media Recognition Award from Broward County Wrestling Officials Association. Honoree: Tom Kingery Class of 2009 Coach

Tom graduated from Marshall University in West Virginia in 1960 and took his first wrestling- coaching job at Morehead State University in Kentucky from 1967-68. In 1970, Tom started the wrestling program at Okeechobee High School and in 1974 he started a club program practicing the Olympic styles. In 1975, Tom retired from coaching when he became a school administrator as a dean and assistant principal at Okeechobee High School, but he continued his commitment to wrestling by supporting the high school wrestling program and club program. Tom and his wife, Ann, helped run tournaments at Okeechobee and where ever they were asked to help throughout the state, transported wrestlers to tournaments and were actively involved in the promotion of wrestling through the 1990’s. When Tom’s grandson became involved in the Florida Amateur Wrestling Associations Kids wrestling program, Tom got back involved while his grandson participated. Tom coached three state place winners during his coaching career: Tom Kingery, Scott Walker and George Jackson. However, he also mentored Jon Henry, Steve Sentes and Bruce Janner who are very successful wrestling coaches and contributors. Honoree: Frank Lasagna Class of 2009 Coach

Frank Lasagna graduated from Huron University located in South Dakota in 1969. He began his coaching career in South Dakota but soon moved to Florida where he taught school and coached at Glades Central High School in Belle Glade. Frank has been teaching and coaching for 38 years. He recruited fellow South Dakota wrestling coaches Bill Boggess and Jerry Kuntz to join him in Palm Beach County. He eventually moved to Seminole Ridge High School and started the wrestling program. His awards include Dwyer County Science Teacher 1996, Glades Central High School Coach of the year 1996, Palm Beach Newspaper Coach of the Year two times, Palm Beach County Coach of the Year six times. His coaching accomplishments include 76 District Championships, 27 Regional Champions, 90 State Qualifiers, 27 State Place winners, 13 State Finalists, and 8 State Champions. His overall record is 225-163. Special mention must be made of his devotion to his wrestlers. Many were from families with limited income but Frank managed to get them to tournaments and to colleges and help them all to become contributing citizens. Honoree: David Soderholm Class of 2009 Coach

David graduated from Appalachian State University located in Boone, North Carolina in 1982. He comes from a wrestling family. His father, Jack, was a top national and international official and his mother, Phyllis, a national and international Pairing Master. After serving as an assistant coach at Appalachian State University where the team achieved the Southern Conference Championship in 1985, he moved to Florida and began his coaching career at Land O Lakes High School from 1986-88 with a record of 35- 8-1. He returned to Palmetto HS in 1989 where his record is 268-65-2. In 1996 Palmetto HS won the FHSAA State Championship. In 1997 and 1998, Palmetto was the State Runner-up, Regional Champs in ‘91, ‘92, ‘96 and ‘97 and District Champs in ‘91, ‘92, ‘93, ‘95 and ‘96. Dave has coached 11 individual state champions, 47 place winners and two of his wrestlers went on the gain NCAA All American honors, Rohan Gardner at Northwestern University and brother Orville Gardner at Ohio University who also was the NCAA Division I Champion in 1997. His awards include Gulf Coast Coach of the Year 1987, ‘88, National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year Region 3 1997. Honoree: Ken Sucher Class of 2009 Official

G. Ken Sucher came to Florida from Ohio where he was a very successful wrestler. He became a dedicated high school wrestling official and served for 38 years. He has been an official at the FHSAA State Championships twelve times. His service includes leadership positions with the Greater Miami Athletic Conference Officials, including over 12 years as Commissioner and 4 years as Broward County Commissioner of Officials. He has conducted clinics and mentored many officials over the years. He has been on the FHSAA Officials committee helping to contribute to the rules tests that officials must take. Ken Sucher was honored by the FHSAA with the Meritorious Achievement Award in 2000. Honoree: Ken Veronee Class of 2009 Official

Ken Veronee began his officiating career in 1981 with his two mentors Rick Tucci and Mort Geller looking over his shoulder. Moving to Palm Beach County in 1986 he began officiating high school wrestling and the following year became a Charter member of the newly formed Palm Beach Wrestliing Officials Association and the Treasure Coast Wrestling Officials Association. Elected to the position of Secretary, he has continued to serve in that leadership position. Ken officiated his 14th FHSAA State Championship tournament this year. He has been the Head Referee in Palm Beach County since 1992. He has served as Clinician at several FHSAA State Field Clinics to instruct his fellow referees. In 1995 Ken was honored by the FHSAA with the Superior Official’s Award. In 2000 the National Federation of Officials Association named Ken Official of the Year. In 2006 he was recognized by the FHSAA for his 25 years of service. In 2006 he was inducted as an inaugural member of the Palm Beach County Wrestling Hall of Fame. Honoree: Jim Bird Class of 2010 Coach/Contributor

Graduated from Spencer High School (WV), 2x WV State Finalist, 3rd as a sophomore Played Football Collegiately at Glenville State College (WV Head Coach, Kissimmee-Osceola – 1990-94; 1997-Present; Assistant Coach – 1988-90; 1996-97, Assistant Coach, Waynesburg High School (PA) 1986-88 2009 FHSAA 3A State Champions – Osceola High School; Runners-up 2008, 2010; 3rd 2007, ,11 Individual State Champions, 34 state place winners, 8 All-Americans (2 National Champions) 2009 Florida Dairy Farmers 3A Wrestling Coach-of-the-Year, 2x Orange Belt Conference Overall Coach-of-the-Year, 6x Orange Belt Conference Wrestling Coach-of-the-Year 4x Girls State Team Champions, 12 Women’s All-Americans, 4 National Champions FAWA Women’s’ National Team Director – 2004-06 Wife – Olga; Son’s – Angel, Javier, and Gabriel All three son’s wrestled for him. Javier was a 2x State Champion, 3x Place Winner, 3x All- American, 3x NCAA SoCon Champion, NCAA Qualifier and Academic All-American for UTC, Gabriel is a 5x FHSAA State Place Winner and a 2008 USA Wrestling Junior National All-American in Freestyle Honoree: William Combs Class of 2010 Coach

Coach, Hernando High School – 1978-Present Head Coach 1991-92; 2009-Present Assistant Coach – 1978-91; 1992-2008 13 Individual State Champions, 49 State Place Winners 2003 State Runners-up; Top 5 State Team – 4x FACA Outstanding Assistant Coach 1999-2000 6x Coach with the FAWA National Duals Team 1908 U.S. Region Olympic Freestyle Trials – 2nd Place 1976 U.S. Olympic Freestyle Trials – 3rd Place 1975 FILA Puerto Rico Cultural Exchange – 2nd Place 2x State Place Winner at Venice High School Wrestled Collegiate at Florida Technological University Wife – Malanie; Son’s Billy, Charley, and Michael Honoree: Delaine Heyman Class of 2010 Official/Contributor

Official / Contributor United States Wrestling Officials Association Administrative Assistant – 2006- Present 1998 FAWA Pairing Official-of-the-Year 2002 FAWA Harriette Weller Lifetime Achievement Award 2008 USA Wrestling – Bernie Norris Memorial Award Pairing Master-of-the-Year 1978-85 AAU Pairing Official – Ohio and Indiana 1986-Present USA Wrestling/FAWA Pairing Official 1998 Attained P1-E Certification (Highest Pairing Category) 2009-10 Instructor – USWOA Officials Education Program Has worked 48 USAW Regional Tournaments; 59 National Championships; 5 International Events; and 2 FHSAA State Championships FAWA – Served as Secretary/Treasurer, Membership Director, and Pairings Director Husband – John; Children – Julie and John; Grandchildren – R.J., Presley; and Ryan Honoree: Mike Joyce Class of 2010 Coach/Contributor

Head Coach, Caveman Wrestling Club – 2008 – Present Head Coach, Tampa Jesuit – 1986-89; 1995-99; 2004-06 Assistant Coach, Armwood High School – 1984-86; 1993-94; Temple Heights Christian – 1999-2003; Tampa Baptist – 2006-08 FAWA Junior National Team Assistant Coach – 1984-85 FAWA Cadet National Team Assistant Coach – 1986; 1995 FAWA Cadet National Team Director – 1987-94 FAWA Schoolboy National Duals Team - 1999-2003 (2nd Greco Roman 2002) FAWA Junior National Duals Team – 2003-05 (3rd Greco Roman 2002, 1st Greco Roman 2004, 3rd Greco Roman 2005) FAWA Mike McCoy Memorial Coach’s Award – 2003 Has coached 12 State Champions and over 40 State Place Winners Wife – Debbie; Son’s – Ryan (2003 State Champion); Sean (4x State Champion); and Troy (2nd in 2010 as a 7th grader); Guardian 2009 NCAA Champion Franklin Gomez Honoree: Matt Morris Class of 2010 Coach

Head Coach, The Bolles School – 1982-93; 1998-Present Athletic Director – 1998-Present Head Coach and Athletic Director, Nease High School – 1993-1998; Head Football 1997 2x FHSAA State Champions; 7 District, 1 Region Championships 200+ Career Dual Meet Victories Coached Chris Bono – 3x State Champion; 3x USA Wrestling All-American; NCAA Champion and 3x All-American at Iowa State University; US National Team Member Coached 13 State Champions, 22 State Finalists, 42 State Place Winners 17 straight years receiving All Sports Award Has also coached Football, Baseball, Track/Field, Weightlifting, and Golf Bolles has won the FHSAA/Dodge Sunshine Cup/Floyd E. Lay All-Sports Award for 11 consecutive years. FAWA Cadet National Team Staff – 1991-1995 Honoree: Doug Peters Class of 2010 Coach/Contributor

Head Wrestling Coach, Lake Mary High School – 1982-89; 1994-96; 1998-2000 Athletic Director at Lake Mary High School, 1994-Present-2x FHSAA/Dodge Sunshine Cup/Floyd E. Lay All-Sports Award 1989 FHSAA State Runners-up 7x Conference, District and Region Champions 3 Individual State Champions; 13 Place Winners Mid-Florida Wrestling Official – 1979-81 Created the Ron Peters Tournament of Champions in 1994 in honor his late father, who was a huge supporter of amateur wrestling Co-Sponsor of the Hospice of the Comforter Wrestling Coaches Challenge annual fundraiser Competed Collegiately at University of Central Florida – 3x NCAA Division II National Qualifier 1980 NCAA Division II All-American Has also coached Football and Boys Golf (3x State Champions) Honoree: Glenn Goodman Class of 2011 Coach/Contributor

Whenever there is a discussion about the “greats” of Florida wrestling, Glenn Goodman’s name is undoubtedly one of the first to come up. In addition to his outstanding competitive career, he has spent the past 20+ years running the very successful and popular Florida Pride Wrestling Camps. This camp annually brings in nationally-recognized clinicians, while showcasing Florida’s greatest wrestling talent, such as Jared Frayer, Chris Bono, Dustin Denunzio, Anthony Grajales, David Craig, and Just to name a few. Through a partnership with USA Wrestling, Glenn’s camps also offer scholarships to dozens of kids every year that would normally not be able to afford to attend camp. In addition to his highly successful camps, Glenn has been an assistant coach at Countryside High School, where he helped mentor several highly successful wrestlers, such as US National Team member Jared Frayer, former University of the Cumberlands Head Coach Andy Medders and many others. He also served as the Head Coach at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, helping to produce multiple state champions like Sean Moyles and Guy Harris. Glenn has also privately coached and mentored hundreds of Florida wrestlers over the course of his career. As a competitor, Glenn was Florida’s first four-time undefeated state champion, a four-year letter winner at the University of Oklahoma, the 1990 Pan Am Games and 3x Maccabiah Games Champion, runner-up at the 1988 & 1992 Olympic Trials, as well as a member of the US National Team for the better part of a decade. Glenn is married to wife Anne, and has three daughters: Bethany, Netanya, and Shayna. Honoree: Bob Hartley Class of 2011 Coach

Bob has been a coach (16 years) and official (26 years) in Polk County, as well as assisting in organizing and running the FHSAA State Finals for over 10 years. He hosted the first-ever FHSAA Officials clinic and was the 2004-05 NFHS and FHSAA Wrestling Official of the Year for Florida. Most people know Bob as the long-time coach at Auburndale High School, where his team won the 1990 and 1992 FHSAA State Championship. In addition to Auburndale HS, he also had coaching stints at Southwest Junior High, Winter Haven High School and Lakeland High School. Over the course of his coaching career, Coach Hartley’s teams had an overall record of 203-28, 11 County Championships, 11 District Championships, 2 Region Champions, and produced 18 State Place winners and 7 State Champions. Several of his former wrestlers have gone on to serve Florida wrestling as coaches (18) and officials (27), including his son. While he may be best known for his coaching, he has also been an outstanding official for over 26 years. He’s been a Board Member of the Lake Region Wrestling Officials Association for nearly 20 years and has officiated several State Championship Tournaments. Bob is married to wife Jo Ann, and has four sons: Dak, Brett, Brian and Robby. Honoree: Bill Hoke Class of 2011 Coach

Bill began his coaching career in 1980 after completing his wrestling career at Florida International University, where he was a 2x NCAA Division II National Qualifier and nationally-ranked wrestler as a senior. He was head wrestling coach at Riverdale High School from 1981-90, and again in 1998-99, also serving as the school’s Athletic Director. His teams at Riverdale went 117-23-2 over the course of his tenure, capturing 3 District and 1 Region Championship. Individually, Riverdale produced 7 State Championships and 7 State Place winners. He served as the head coach at Charlotte High School from 1992-98 and 1999-2004. Over that period, Charlotte went 134-23, winning 7 District and 2 Region Championships, as well as the 1997 FHSAA 2A State Championship and 1995 FHSAA 2A State Runners-up. Individually, Charlotte produced 22 State Place winners and 6 State Champions, including Cadet National Champion Evan Robinson. For his efforts, Coach Hoke was named the 1997 FACA Florida 2A Coach-of-the-Year. Coach Hoke also served on the Florida Junior and Cadet National Team coaching staff in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He also volunteers as a clinician and the trainer for the Florida Pride Wrestling Camps each summer. Bill is married to wife Jennie, and has three children: Jonathan, Jenell, and David. Honoree: James “Mike” Kelly Class of 2011 Coach/Contributor

Mike was an educator at Manatee High School, where he served as a Football and Wrestling Coach; however, Mike is best known for his work as an FHSAA, USA Wrestling and FILA Wrestling Official. He was an FHSAA Wrestling Official from 1983-2005, serving as his local association’s President, and working numerous District, Region and State Championship Tournaments. But it was as FILA and USA Wrestling Official, where Mike truly left his mark on the sport. He was a tremendous mentor to younger officials and helped develop the current weigh in procedures for USA Wrestling events. Among his many achievements, Mike received the Phil Portuse Award, which is annually given to the official who “goes beyond the normal to teach young people how to officiate” and is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the training of new officials and development of young athletes. Mike attained the highest ranking an official can achieve, as a FILA M1E, working the 1988 Olympic Trials in Iowa City, multiple World Team Trials, over 40 National and 30 Regional tournaments, and served as the National Weigh Master for USA Wrestling. He also was an official at the 1999 Pan- American Games in Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada; and was the Weigh-master at the 1995 World Championships in Atlanta, 2003 World Championships in New York, and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. As a friend once said of him: “Mike left us far too soon, but his spirit, humor, and commitment to wrestling will be with us forever” Honoree: Don Smith Class of 2011 Official

Don has been a High School wrestling official both here in Florida, as well as his native Minnesota since 1975. He also served as coach at Minnetonka senior High School in Minnesota from 1972-75, helping guide the team to a State Championship in 1974. In addition, Don has officiated Track & Field events for the past 12 years; and has run and completed 27 marathons to date. He has been selected to work the FHSAA State Wrestling Championships seven times. He has served as the President of the Metro Officials Association in Minnesota from 1976-87; member and President of the Palm Beach Wrestling Officials Association for 15 years; member of the FHSAA Official Advisory Committee. Don received the NFHS Outstanding Official for Florida in 2009. He is currently the Athletic Director at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School, where he has also served on the FIAAA Board of Directors and has been an FHSAA Delegate Assembly Member in 2008. Honoree: Jack E. Suman Class of 2011 Coach Official

It would be a nearly impossible task to recount everything that Jack Suman has done for the sport of wrestling. After all, he is considered one of the "Founding Fathers" of the sport here in Florida. After moving to Florida in 1962, Jack started the program at North Palm Beach Sr. High School; where along with Norland, Miami Military,Coral Park and Archbishop Curly, are considered the first wrestling programs in the state of Florida. It would not be the only program he initiated. Jack also started the program at Hialeah-Miami Lakes in 1971. He has over 300 career victories from 1962-1987, and is credited with having the first two Florida wrestlers to earn full wrestling scholarships (Bill Bryson & Frank Forrester, both to Eastern Illinois). In addition to coaching, Jack was an outstanding official, working as an FHSAA Clinician and Official Rules Interpreter from 1964 - 74. He was the first Florida representative to the National Federation of State High Schools Rules Committee from 1978 - 82. He also officiated and helped organize officials for the Sunshine Open in the early 1970's with Ric Tucci and Jack McNeil. He also officiated the International styles, working as the 1976 & 1982 Olympic Regional Trials at Miami-Dade Community College. Honoree: Joe Bertalone Class of 2012 Coach

Joe Bertolone (Coach) – Hall of Fame honors are nothing new for Joe Bertelone. An Ohio native, Joe was a 2x NCAA Division III National Champion heavyweight at John Carroll University in 1974 & 1975. In 1985 he was inducted into the John Carroll Athletic Department Hall of Fame, and in 1996 he was inducted into the NCAA Division III Wrestling Hall of Fame. Joe is a long-time successful coach in the State of Florida, having relocated to here in 1977. He has amassed an overall record of 182-70-1 and counting, as a Head Coach at Chaminade, Miramar, and Archbishop McCarthy High Schools. In addition, he’s had stints as an assistant at Chaminade, Cardinal Gibbons, and Archbishop McCarthy. He has coached multiple state place winners and champions, including 2x Florida State Champions Al Lewis (1984 & 1985), and Colby Borchetta (2007 & 2008). His teams have won numerous District and Region Championships, and he was the Hollywood Sun-Tattler Coach-of-the-Year in 1982 & 1983; and the Sun-Sentinel & Miami Herald Coach-of-the-Year in 2010. Joe has a son, J. Christian (26) and is currently coaching at Archbishop McCarthy High School Honoree: Pete Collins Class of 2012 Coach

Pete Collins has been coaching and officiating in Florida for over 30 years! He began his wrestling career at Stranahan High School in the late 60’s, where he was a 2x Florida State place-winner. He then moved on to Broward Community College before finishing his competitive career at Western Michigan University, wrestling on scholarship at both institutions. While working on his M.ED Pete trained with his brother Mike, at the University of Florida, before coaching at Santa Fe High School in 1976. In 1977 he moved to Pinellas Park, where he built a very successful program from 1977-86, compiling a 105-16 record. Pinellas Park finished as State Runners- up in 1980, and had some of the most successful wrestlers in the area in 4x State Finalist Chris Cramer, Cesar Grajales, Pat and Jesse Smith others. In 1988 he began officiating. In 1994 but decided to get back into coaching at East Lake High School where he was head coach from 1994-2001, and assistant until 2009. He again built a very competitive program, finishing 5th at the 1998 State Championships. Pete’s teams would win 5 PCAC Championships, 7 district and 1 region championship, as well as 3 region runner-up finishes. In addition to coaching, He has directed many several Conference, District and Region Championships. Pete has been an FHSAA registered official for 18 years, working 3 State Championships and numerous District and Region Championships. Honoree: Charlotte Owen Class of 2012 Official

Charlotte Owen (Official) – Charlotte Owen has been a USWOA Pairing Official before there was a USWOA. Charlotte serves on the National Board of the USWOA and has served the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association in the past as Secretary, Treasurer, and Pairings Official Chairperson. She is a FILA P-1, and has worked numerous State, Regional, National and International Wrestling Events. She is a registered nurse, graduating from the University of South Florida, and currently working for Soyring Consulting as a Senior Consultant. She has one son, Jeffrey (Sue) and two granddaughters, Quinlan and Ainsley. Honoree: Walt Ragan Class of 2012 Coach

Walt Ragan began his coaching career in after competing his collegiate wrestling career at University of Southwestern. Known as a “program builder” by his wrestlers and collegues, Coach Ragan started the program at Lafayette High School in Louisiana in 1973, while still a student-teacher. In 1976 he started the program at Jeanerette High School, gaining instant success with a 3rd place finish at State, with five individual state runners-up. In 1979, he moved to Florida and started the program at Lemon Bay. Two years later, the 1980 Jeanerette High School team won the Louisiana State Tournament. From 1979-1998, Lemon Bay was known as one of the best programs in Florida, compiling a 181-56-1 record, with 10 District, 7 Region, and 2 Team State Championships. In addition, future NCAA Division I All-Americans Mick Schyck and Jeff Ragan, were among his 14 individual State Champions! In 1999, Coach Ragan again started a new program, this time at The Principia HS in St. Louis, Missouri, where he coached for two years before returning to Florida to serve as an assistant coach at North Port High School, where he currently works. Coach Ragan was named FACA Wrestling Coach-of-the-Year in 1985, 1997, and 1998. Honoree: George Sansone Class of 2012 Coach/Official

George Sansone is a wrestling “lifer”, having been a high school coach, tournament director, and high school and collegiate official since 1970. After completing a highly- successful wrestling career at Appalachian State University, where he was 126-9-1, and an All-American, George began coaching at Charlotte High School. He compiled a 232-108-4 record at Charlotte, his team winning the 1980 State Championship. Over that period, Charlotte produced 7 individual State Champions, 15 Regional Champions and 42 District Champions. George was named the FACA Coach-of-the-Year in 1980. In addition, he helped co-found the Captain Archer Classic. He served as the FACA State Wrestling Chairman from 1978-1992; was the Tournament Director for the 1983 Sunshine State Games; and served on the FHSAA Officials Advisory Committee from 1999-2005. He has been an FHSAA, NHSCA and NCAA certified official since 1970, working numerous District, Region and State Championships, as well as Southern Conference Duals and Championship Tournaments, and the NHSCA National Tournaments. George has served as President and Booking Agent of the Southwest Wrestling Officials Association since 1970 and President of the West Coast Officials Assoc. from 1970-75. Honoree: Rob Wimberly Class of 2012 Coach Rob Wimberly has been a fixture on the Florida wrestling scene dating back to his outstanding high school career at South Dade High School. From there Rob went on to earn Division II All-American honors at the University of Central Florida, before transferring to Division I Ohio University to finish out his collegiate career. After returning to Florida, Rob has coached at several schools, including South Dade, Killian, Sunset, Palmetto and St. Thomas Aquinas High Schools. During his tenure, he has coached over 35 Individual State Finalists, 22 Individual Champions, 4-2x NCAA All-Americans, and 1-1x State Champions. In addition, he has coached numerous State Placewinners and High School All-Americans, including his two sons, both of whom were State Champions and competed collegiately at Michigan State University. Rob has also helped coached several of the Florida National Team age-group national teams from 1998-2007. He has also served as the South Area Director of the FAWA, and as an Official for the GMAC from 1985-2008. Rob currently works with the Miami Fire Department and coaches at St. Thomas Aquinas HS. Honoree: John B. Hauser Class of 2013 Coach John Hauser has dedicated his lifetime to the sport of wrestling. Starting out as an athlete both in high school and college, he then went on to become an assistant coach. His job as head coach with Colonial High School led to 5 District titles and 4 Metro titles. While coaching at Edgewater, his team won the District Title from 2001 – 2005 and the Metro Title in 2006. He was the Head Coach for Stetson University, a Division I wrestling team from 1984 – 1986, founder of the Big Orange Wrestling Camp and an assistant coach on University of Central Florida’s 2004 NCWA National Championship Team. His final match as a coach was coaching his youngest son, Christopher, to his 2006 State Championship victory. Wrestling is not John’s only passion. He likes working as an artist when he can find the time. He also takes on occasional DJ jobs and performs in a classic rock band, Fat Chance as the bass player and lead singer. John and Carolyn are actively involved in their church. He has taught classes, been in the music ministry and served as an usher. Because of his Lifetime Service to the sport or wrestling, we are honored the have John B. Hauser inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum through the Florida Chapter. Honoree: Kenneth Johnson Class of 2013 Coach Kenny or “Coach J” began his coaching career in 1982 at Southdade Senior High School where, in 1983 his team finished second in the state. He transferred to Miami Southridge where he remains. He was also an Official for Miami Dade County from 1985 – 1987. More than just a coach at Southridge; Kenny has been a role model for the student athletes. Many of these wrestlers consider him a father figure. His passion for the sport and for developing his athletes goes beyond the mat. He strives to develop them into productive and prominent individuals in society. His patience and work ethics along with his experience in coaching and mentoring these young men and women has given him an advantage in gaining trust and respect. He has gained that same respect from his peers and the community as well. He was recognized as Assistant Coach of the Year in 1998 & 1999 by the National Wrestling Coaches Association, received the Wrestling U.S.A. Assistant Coach of the Year in 2002 Honorable Mention. Kenny served as the USA Team Florida Greco Coach and during his high school career has coached over forty state finalists, 25 of them being state champions. Kenneth Johnson is the proud father of Kenneth Johnson, Jr and Shanetta Johnson. Honoree: David Mauger Class of 2013 Coach David “Coach” Mauger is a man who placed an emphasis on building adolescent boys into men of character who were mentally tough through adversity. There was no value placed on winning unless it was earned the right way. Many lives have been shaped by his words of wisdom, kindness and discipline. He taught more than wrestling. He taught his athletes to be determined, treat women with respect, live a healthy lifestyle, overcome the adversities of life and to live a life of purpose. He hosted tournaments during the regular wrestling season and off season. Had one of the largest wrestling mats in the world; 62’ x 62’ in 1977 with a 52’ wrestling circle and one of the only coaches to have over 170 wins at 2 different high schools. He did it all without off-season wrestling clubs, middle school feeder programs, student-athlete transfers or by playing polities. – He took ninth graders who knew nothing about our sport, convinced them to wrestle, sold them and their parents on it, and turned hundreds of kids into success stories. He taught about relationships, priorities, friendship, loyalty and basic right from wrong. Dave is a fantastic motivator and through his many years of coaching has had atremendous influence upon hundreds of students and wrestlers. Honoree: Mike Netherclift Class of 2013 Official Mike attended, wrestled for and graduated from Bradenton Southeast High School in 1973. He went on with his education and graduated from the University of Florida with his Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education. In 1982 he returned to UF and received a Master’s in Physical Education. He received a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University in 2000. He was Director of Intramural Fraternity League at University of Florida and awarded Outstanding Intramural Athlete at UF in 1982. Mike is very active in his home church and the missions they support. He and his daughter Kailah, and son Skyler reside in Ocala, Florida. He has been employed as a Marion County Public School Teacher for over 26 years. Mike started out as an assistant wrestling coach at Lake Weir High School and became their head coach in 1985. During his time there as coach, he produced 20 or more state qualifiers and produced 2 State Champion Wrestlers. As an official, he has received recognition for continues service by FHSAA for 25 years service and was awarded Outstanding Official at multiple invitational tournaments between 1998 and 2007. During his career, he has embodied Florida Wrestling as a wrestling coach and later as a distinguished official. He has been the guest speaker and clinician at multiple FHSAA State field clinics. Honoree: Russ Schenk Class of 2013 Coach An outstanding coach and ambassador for our sport, Russ Schenk has been involved in scholastic wrestling in Florida for at least 30 years. While attending high school and wrestling for Tarpon Springs, he was the first state wrestling champ in his schools’s history and undefeated his senior year. Russ received his BS from the University of Central Florida and represented them well as their NCAA All-American in 1984. He received a Master of Education from National Louis University (Curriculum & Instruction). After his high school career, he worked as an official and officiating FHSAA high school competitions for ten years, until the birth of his son Storm. He is a former FHSAA Wrestling Advisory Board Member and Pinellas County, Florida Wrestling Coach of the Year. He was a USA Silver Medalist in the 98 Masters World Championship in France and was an AAU Masters Greco Roman National Champion. Russ, also a Coach Practitioner through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, has coached National Weightlifting Team Champions as well as serving as National Director for Grappling and Weightlifting for NHSCA. Honoree: Steve Sentes Class of 2013 Coach

Steve began wrestling in Middle School in 1971 and has continued to be involved in the sport since then. Steve and his wife Cindy have made wrestling a family affair including their three children, Steve II, Tayia and Scotti. He started their children wrestling at a very young age in Michigan. After moving this family to Okeechobee, Steve became involved with Okeechobee High School and hosted USA tournaments. He always carried his whistle and arm bands so he could referee if needed when he wasn’t coaching or announcing. He would help pair the wrestlers and do whatever else needed to be done. He wanted to build Florida wrestling and was soon active in the FAWA, serving as South Director for two terms. When his wife Cindy was nominated by the FAWA as the first women’s development director, Steve formed a girl’s team at Okeechobee High School. He held the first women’s national level freestyle tournament in Florida and when some coaches were against girls wrestling, Steve would say “it’s time we think outside the box and help this sport grow”. He put together a comprehensive guidebook for tournament directors with all the information needed to run a tournament. USA wrestling thought so much of it that they developed a similar book and sent it to every club. In 2001 Steve established the Pinnacle Wrestling Tournament. Former state champions and runner-ups were invited to compete, offering the caliber of talent that would help open the doors for college scouts to recruit athletes to further their wrestling careers and higher education. Honoree: Victor Balmaceda Class of 2014 Coach

Probably best known as the Coach who’s team “Beat the Streak” by defeating Brandon High School in a nationally televised match in 2008, Coach Victor Balmeceda has been the head wrestling coach at South Dade Senior High School since 1997. Coach Balmeceda succeeded another Hall of Fame Coach in Mike McCoy, after serving as his assistant since graduating from Appalachian State University in 1993. Vic has coached some of Florida’s best-known and most successful wrestlers, including three that participated in the 2012 Olympic Trials – Earl Hall, Shakendrick Sanders and Isaiah Varona. His teams have captured 6 FHSAA State Championships, been Runners-up another 8 times, and have accounted for 50 individual State Champions, 65 State Place winners, and 26 High School All-Americans. Vic was an FHSAA State Runner-up at Southwest Miami, before becoming a JUCO All-American at Chowan College, and a Division I Qualifier at Appalachian State University. Honoree: Donald and Dotty Curtis Class of 2014 Contributors

Don and “Dotty” have been fixtures in the Florida Wrestling Community dating back to 1966 and were pioneers in promoting the sport here in Florida. The Curtis’ moved to Jacksonville in 1966 after Don retired from professional wrestling, becoming a sports promoter and manager for the City Auditorium and Performing Arts Center. Dotty worked as a fitness instructor for the Jacksonville Beach Community Center before opening her own studio. From the 1960’s to early 2000’s, Don and Dotty travelled extensively both domestically and internationally, officiating at numerous AAU and International FILA events, Don as a mat official and Dotty as a pairer. The Curtis’ opened a Real Estate Brokerage, which Dotty currently runs. The Curtis’s have two daughters (Elaine and Lisa), and one son (Donald), 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Honoree: William Dudley Class of 2014 Coach

Coach Bill Dudley spent his entire career (35 years) at Northeast High School in St. Petersburg as Assistant and then Head Wrestling Coach. He has a 337-143-3 career record as head coach, having only one losing season over that time span. He had one State Champion in Phil Rizzo, 14 individual State Place winners and over 75 state qualifiers. Coach Dudley also helped form the St. Petersburg City Championship tournament. 14 of his former wrestlers went on to compete at the Collegiate level, and 9 of them have become High School coaches themselves. He was elected to the Northeast High School Hall of Fame in 2010, and has served as a St. Petersburg City Council since 2007. Honoree: Mark Hewitt Class of 2014 Coach/Official

Mark Hewitt has been an FHSAA registered official since 1979 as a member of the GMAC and Mid-Florida Official’s Associations. In addition to his officiating career, Mark was also a coach at Miami Senior and Sunset Senior High Schools from 1977- 88, amassing a 123-12 record with fellow Hall of Famer Chuck Almeida while at Sunset. He has served as President and VP of Training for the Mid-Florida Officials Association, and has officiated numerous FHSAA State, Region and District tournaments over his 34+ year career, last working the FHSAA State Championships in 2011. A graduate of Florida International University, Mark Competed for FIU as well as Cantonsville Community College from 1971-75. He is currently an English Teacher at Oviedo High School, and is married to wife, Louisa. He has one daughter, Sahily and one son, Seve, who was a State Champion at Oveido. Honoree: Randy Miller Class of 2014 Coach

Randy Miller is a originally from the State of Michigan, where he was State Champion, 2x State Runner-up and High School All-American. He went on to compete at Michigan State University, where he was a 3x NCAA Division I Qualifier, 2x Big 10 Runner-up and 2x Midlands Tournament place winner.

He also competed for the US National Team from 1970-76, before moving on to coach in both Kentucky and Florida. He holds a 352-98-2 overall record as a coach at Woodford County (KY), St. Thomas Aquinas and Stoneman Douglas High Schools. He won State Championships at both Woodford County (1976) and St. Thomas Aquinas (1985), and is a member of the Broward County Wrestling and St. Thomas Aquinas Hall of Fame. He has 13 individual State Champions, 10 State Finalists, and 30 individual place winners. Several of his former wrestlers have gone on to be successful coaches of their own, including current University of Missouri Head Coach Brian Smith. Randy retired from coaching in 2011. • Honoree: David Mitchell Class of 2014 Coach

David Mitchell is a coaching “lifer”, who’s dedication and selflessness embodies what the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is all about. He is one of those guys who can always be counted on, no matter what the task, whether it’s setting up and running an event, or coaching on the Florida National Team staff.

Dave has been coaching wrestling since 1997, first at his alma mater Tampa Leto High School, and currently at Wharton High School. At Leto, Dave was a 3- sport athlete (Football, Wrestling and Track), and continued competing in all three at Yankton College in South Dakota. He is currently the Head Wrestling, Head Football and Assistant Track/Field Coach at Wharton High School. Dave has coached State Champions Mike Heldt, Michael Santos and Kenny Simms, and been a member of every Florida Junior National Team since 1992. • Honoree: John Niles Class of 2014 Coach

John Niles has been an FHSAA registered official for over 30 years, as a member of the Sunshine Officials Association. He has been President of the SOA for 15 years, Treasurer for 12, and served as a Board Member at Large for much of his career with SOA. He’s served as an instructor at two FHSAA State Field Clinics, worked as an Official at 9 FHSAA State Championships, 31 Region and 40 District Tournaments. He also worked as a high school and collegiate official for the Orange Bowl Sunshine Open for 12 years. John is a graduate of Dixie Hollins High School, where he wrestled and qualified for the State Tournament in 1970. He also competed for the club team at the University of South Florida, and graduated from Falkner State College in Alabama in 1973. Honoree: Andrew Gugliemini, Jr Class of 2015 Coach Andrew Gugliemini, Jr. or “Coach Gug” as he is more commonly known, is a 1985 graduate of Manatee High School, and has served as the head coach at his Alma Mater since 1996. He started his coaching career at crosstown rival Riverview High School, after graduating from the University of South Florida. He also attended and wrestled at Pembroke State University from1986-87.

At Manatee, “Coach Gug” has established Manatee as a perineal powerhouse, compiling a 434-128, with 9 State Champions, 46 individual placewinners. His team has been state runners-up 2x, and has 11 Top 12x; winning 2 Region Championships, and 17 county championships in his 19 years as head coach. Individually, he’s coached Bobby Latessa (2x), Brent Denisar, Trevor Fair (2x), Andrew Fulk, Jacob Gregory, Alex Doran and Jesse Fulk to individual State Championships. In addition to his many accomplishments as a wrestling coach, Andy is a varsity football and wrestling official for the FHSAA and was named the state’s Top Football Official in 2013. Honoree: Robert Matyskiel Class of 2015 Coach/Official Robert is a Palm Beach County native, competing for Cardinal Newman High School in the late 70’s. He was a Palm Beach County, District and Region Champion and 1980 State Runner up. He also served as Coach at his Alma Mater from 1981- 87, and again from 1989-91, winning 2 Conference and 2 District Championship teams, one being undefeated. Individually, he’s coached 2 State Champions, 4 place winners, and 15 qualifiers. He also coached the John Raich Wrestling Club from 1990-92. Robert is perhaps best known though, as an FHSAA wrestling official, serving since 1987. He has worked 20 district, 18 region and 2 State Championship tournaments. He’s also been an NCAA certified official since 2012. He was elected into the Palm Beach County Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007, and selected to the Cardinal Newman 50th Anniversary All-Time Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. From 1989-91 he was part of the organizing committee for the FHSAA State Wrestling Tournament’s Host Committee. Lately, he’s been heavily involved in Lacrosse, as his daughter’s teams’ statistician and booster club organizer. Honoree: Steve Pricer Class of 2015 Coach/Official

A 1976 graduate of James Madison University, Steve was head coach at Lely High School in Naples from 1979-88, 1991-93, and 2003-07. His 1983 team were FHSAA State Champions and FHSAA State Runners-up in 1982. He was also an assistant at Naples High School from 1976-77. Jeff Mustari, Obe Blanc, Mike Guitard, Mike Bono were all individual State Champions for Coach Pricer. He owns a 197-109 career dual meet record, with 13 state finalists, 22 state placewinners, and 58 state qualifiers. In addition to his contributions as a coach, Steve has been an FHSAA registered official since 2010, with the Collier County Officials Association. He was inducted into the FHSAA Hall of Fame and was also named the 1983 Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year. In addition, he’s been named the Ft. Myers Press and Naples Daily News Coach of the Year in 1982 & 83. He also serves as a football coach at Lely. Honoree: Donald Schroeder Class of 2015 Official

A native of Wisconsin, Don started out officiating in Florida in 1973, and has been working steadily ever since. Don has worked FHSAA, NHSCA, NCAA/NAIA, NCWA and AAU events, both in Florida and nationally. He’s worked the Disney Duals the past 12 years, NHSCA Senior Nationals, Super 32, and the Big 10 Championships in recent years. He’s officiated all over Florida, as a member of the GMACWOA, Mid-Florida Wrestling Officials Association, Palm Beach Wrestling Officials, and Broward Wrestling Officials Association. He served as MFWOA President for several years. He’s officiated 7 FHSAA State tournaments, as well as numerous Region and District events, and is a regular at many of the “top-tier” wrestling events around the state. He spent 2 years coaching at St. Thomas Aquinas in Ft. Lauderdale from 1977-79, helping the Raiders to 2 District and a Region Championship. Don wrestled collegiately at Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, placing 3rd at the SD Intercollegiate Championships. He also was a region champion in high school at Meenah& Winneconne Sr. High School’s. He won 7 Seahorse Open championships and the 1977 AAU Florida State Championship as an open division wrestler. Honoree: Michael Strouse Class of 2015 Coach Mike is a native of Virginia Beach, and counts himself as a product of the “Original Granby System” founded by legendary coach Billy Martin. Mike helped Coach Martin’s teams win 2 State Championships in 1970 & 72, and was himself a VA State Champion in 1972. He’s been a staff member of the Granby System Camps at Hampden Sydney College since 1970. Mike competed collegiately at FIU and UCF, qualifying for the NCAA championships, and finishing 3rd at the Florida Collegiate State Tournament and 4th at the Southern Open. It has been coaching, however, where Mike’s greatest impact has been felt. He was coach at Brevard Community College from 1979-81; Cocoa Beach Sr. High from 1982- 83; New Smyrna Beach High from 1983-2011; and Astronaut High School from 2011- 13. His overall coaching record is 260-85. He also coached the Oceanside Wrestling Club for 25 years. He’s coached multiple FHSAA State Champions, including 3x champ Billy Ahrens and Ritchie Crunkelton; USA Westling and AAU age-group All-Americans, and countless Conference and District Champions. In addition, Mike has been a highly-effective FHSAA registered official since 1985 with the Mid-Florida Wrestling Officials Association Honoree: Gary & Jane Townsend Class of 2015 Contributor

Although never a wrestler himself, he played football and participated in Track/Field in high school; that didn’t stop Gary and Jane from becoming two of the most recognizable faces in the Florida Wrestling Community dating back to the mid 1980’s. They are most commonly thought of as a “team” and embody that moniker in every facet of their lives, both in and out of the wrestling arena. They started out as volunteer boosters with the Santaluces High School Booster Club; found the Lantana Wrestling Club in 1991; Co-Chaired the Sunshine State Games from 1992-96 and Sunshine Open Wrestling Tournament from 1994-2004. Gary served as FAWA State Chairman from 2000-02. They helped found the NWHOF-Florida Chapter, which Gary has served as President of since 1999.

They have also served on several state-wide committees, such as the 2012 Volunteer Committee for the Florida 2012 Olympic Games Bid. They have received numerous honors for their volunteer efforts, such as the 1993 FAWA Service Award; 1996 FAWA State Chairman’s Award; 2002 Harriette Weller Lifetime Achievement Award; and Gary was inducted to the Palm Beach County Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006. In addition, they have worked numerous FHSAA District & Region Competitions, as well as FAWA Major Events – including the National Team Qualifier, State Championships and SE Regional Tournaments Honoree: Wayne Garber Class of 2016 Official

Wayne began his officiating career in 1982. Throughout his wrestling efforts, Wayne has juggled his officiating along with volunteer coaching efforts at several Orlando High Schools. In addition to officiating numerous FHSAA State Championships, Wayne has also been an NCAA Division II and Division III official. Wayne has received a Medal of Appreciation of the University of Florida for his work with their wrestling club as well as Certificates of Appreciation for his scores over the years from FHSAA. The Wrestling community is not the only group to receive assistance from Wayne. He has been a driver and volunteer for over 25 years with Meals on Wheels and has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross Disaster Team. Honoree: Glenn Faust Class of 2016 Official

Glenn Faust started his wrestling career as the Head Coach at Rutherford High School in Panama City, Florida. He coached Rutherford from 1985 until 1989.

In addition to officiating, he continued to be the head coach at Surfside Middle School until 1999. Glenn is the founder and booking agent for the Northwest Florida Wrestling Officials Association.

Throughout his career, he has officiated 13 FHSAA State Championships, and was named the 2014 Florida “Wrestling Official of the Year”. Honoree: Kris Heyward Class of 2016 Coach

Kris Hayward started his coaching career in 1995 at Lake Region High School in Winter Haven, Florida. While there, Kris coached 6 FHSAA finalists and 1 Champion. He was also a 4 time “Coach of the Year”.

In 2004 Kris relocated to Riverdale High School in Fort Meyers, Florida. Since then his teams have finished 8 times in the FHSAA top 5, where in 2007 they were the team runner- up and in 2008 and 2009 were the FHSAA State Champions. Throughout that time he coached 12 FHSAA Champions, 21 FHSAA State Finalists, and 49 FHSAA State Place Winners. Congratulations Kris. Honoree: Frank Pelegri Class of 2016 Coach

Frank Pelegri started his coaching career in 1981 at McMillen Middle School in Miami, Florida.From there he made coaching stops at Southwest Miami Sr. High School, West Minister Christian School, Mennesokia High School, University of Minnesota at Morris, Lindenwood University, and Chaminade High School before becoming the head coach at Monsignor Pace High School in 1996. While at Pace, Frank was twice named “Coach of the Year”. During the 2000 season, his team became FHSAA State Champions.

Throughout his career, he has amassed a career record of 385 wins, 32 losses, and 2 ties. Honoree: Jim Reape Class of 2016 Coach

Since 1994, Jim Reape has been the head coach at Clay High School in Green Cove Springs, Florida. During his tenure he has a laundry list of accomplishments. His teams have won 14 consecutive FHSAA District, and Regional Championships. In addition, in 2004 they were FHSAA State Champions, while finishing as runner-up in 1999, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Since 1999, there has been only one year that Clay High School has not finished in the top five at the FHSAA State Championships. Jim has a career record of 286 wins and 58 losses. Honoree: David Ryan Class of 2016 Coach

David Ryan is being inducted as a coach. For the past 33 years, David has been the head coach at Miami Springs Senior High School. During his career, his teams have won 10 FHSAA District Championships, and finished second 7 times. He has coached 50 FHSAA state qualifiers, 19 FHSAA state place winners, 5 FHSAA state finalists, and 2 FHSAA state champions. His teams have earned 348 wins verses 150 losses. Congratulations David. Honoree: Alan R Solomon Class of 2016 Coach/Official

Alan Solomon started his officiating and coaching career in upstate New York in 1975. He relocated to Florida in 1979 and continued his wrestling efforts on the west coast.

In 1988 he started the wrestling program at Central High School in Brooksville, Florida. He continued coaching until 2006. Throughout his tenure, he amassed over 200 victories, and 2 individual FHSAA State Champions.

His officiating experience has enabled him to work everything from Disney Duals, Super 32 Championships, and the FHSAA State Championships. Honoree: Fidel Albelo Class of 2017 Coach

Fidel is a native of Cuba. While living there, he coached 5 National Champions and was recognized as an International "Gold Medal" official.

Upon arriving in Florida, Fidel, became a private business owner, and the Head Coach of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami.

Since 1993 he has guided his teams to 5 FHSAA top ten team finishes, 9 individual State Champions and another 20 place winners. He has been a major part of Florida wrestling for the past 24 seasons. Honoree: Allen Held Class of 2017 Coach

Since 1990 Allen has seen head coaching positions at Hallendale, South Broward and Cypress Bay High Schools. While at Hallendale and South Broward he had dual duties as head football coach and head wrestling coach.

Throughout his career Allen has amassed over 450 wins versus 107 dual defeats. He has produced 93 FHSAA qualifiers that included 41 place winners and 6 individual champions. One of those champions was his son A.J. Honoree: Henry Jackson Class of 2017 Coach Henry was a competitive pioneer. Throughout the early 1970's, Henry parlayed his scholastic success into collegiate success for the University of Florida. While at UF Henry was SEC Conference Champion and a NCAA National Qualifier.

His wrestling service career started as an official in 1974. Throughout that career he has been an assistant coach for four different programs, as well as, head coach for Miami Central High School, Plantation High School, and Chaminade Madonna Preparatory School.

Coach Jackson has been credited with molding the character and citizenship for many of his athletes at every program he has touched. Honoree: Dan Kelly Class of 2017 Coach

Dan Kelly started his wrestling legacy as a stand out wrestler for Cleveland State University.

His service career began as an official in 1988. Following a stint as an assistant coach at Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio. Dan made his way to become an assistant at Venice High School head coach.

Throughout his career, Dan's teams have finished in the top 10 at the FHSAA Championships 10 times. While at Venice High School Dan coached 100 FHSAA qualifiers, 43 FHSAA place winners and 8 individual Champions. He amassed a dual meet record of 372 wins to only 68 defeats. Honoree: Russell A Mauger Class of 2017 Coach/Contributor Russ was inducted posthumously. He was represented by his wife Barbara and brother Dave (NWHOF / Florida), Russ started making an impact on wrestling at Heidelberg University in Ohio. In 1986 he became an assistant coach at Pinellas Park High School. In 1970 he moved to Dixie Hollins High School also as an assistant. This became a 16 year commitment and he is remembered for donating his salary back to the program. Russ was very active in working with the FHSAA to improve wrestling and played a role in changing the tournament wrestle-back format in Florida. Through his efforts the city of St Petersburg, Florida was awarded multiple FHSAA Championships, all directed by him. His influence on the sport of wrestling was so profound, to this day the FHSAA awards the annual "Russ Mauger", Mental Attitude Award to an athlete at the State Championship Event. Honoree: Robert Thomas Class of 2017 Coach/Contributor

Coach Bob Thomas started wrestling as a Chagrin Falls Tiger coached by, Ohio legend, Jim Hoppel. He wrestled 2 seasons as a Franklin College Grizzly, Indiana before graduating and moving to Bradenton, Florida. In 1978 he landed at Southeast High School in Bradenton as a Social Studies teacher and assistant wrestling coach. It was the start of a 35 year career in education and 32 of those years coaching the Seminoles. His teams won 5 Manatee County Championships, 2 District Championships, 1 Region Championship ,a 1993 State runner-up and 5 other top 10 finishes. In 32 years Bob had 68 District Champions, 18 Region Champions, 67 state qualifiers, 27 state placers, 4 champions and two High School All Americans. Bob is retired and currently holds a position on the Board of the Florida Chapter.