National Wrestling Hall of Fame Washington Chapter Induction Banquet March 19, 2017
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The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Washington Chapter would like to thank those listed below for their contributions made in honor of this year’s award National Wrestling recipients. Your continued support of the sport of wrestling gives hope for its future. Hall of Fame Cappy & Nellie Anderson Gary (NWHOF-2011) & Diane Knutzen Steven Anderson (NWHOF-2011) Roger & Sandra Kreis Randy Audette Bob Lynn & Connie Ogren Washington Chapter Donald & Susan Austin Tom Maki Stephanie Ball Rafael & Melinda Martinez Induction Banquet Ray (NWHOF-2011) & Dorothy Barnes Mat Classic 29 Wrestling Officials Terry Beckstead (NWHOF-2013) Mike Mechling March 19, 2017 Joel and Tiffany Berg Mike & Marla Mertel Martin & Dianne Brown Jim Meyerhoff (NWHOF-2003) Jerry Cameron Phyllis Meyerhoff (NWHOF-2009) Washington Wrestling Family: James Cassan Dan, Kathy & Nancy Morris It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2017 Washington Chapter of the National Randy Connelly David & Joyce Muszynski Wrestling Hall of Fame banquet and induction ceremony. This occasion brings to- Doug & Gail Cowan Bruce & Ingrid Osborne gether people from the Washington wrestling community as well as our honorees and Kelly Craig Ken (NWHOF-2002) & Carol Pelo their family and friends. We are also honored to have past inductees, who represent Audrey Cruickshank Jerry (NWHOF-2007) & Susanne Perez the great heritage of wrestling in the state of Washington, return annually to join us. John deWeber (NWHOF-2015) PG & Sharon Phillips Dave Engle Tom Prentice Located in the heart of the United States in Stillwater, Oklahoma, your National Vic Eshpeter (NWHOF-2005) Joe (NWHOF-2013) & Jo Reasons Wrestling Hall of Fame works together with our Washington Chapter to serve our Wilson & Linda Estes Don & Chip Reno mission of preserving our sport’s history, recognizing extraordinary individuals for their Mark Feigl Jeff Roberts achievements and inspiring future generations. As a focal point of wrestling’s past, Pat (NWHOF-2010) & Jo Fitzpatrick Tex and Dorothy Ronning present and future, your Hall of Fame’s Board of Governors and your State Chapter leaders are proud to provide an educational and entertaining experience for those Jim & Brigit Folk Mike & Carol Schmidt who attend our ceremonies, visit our museums on our website at www.nwhof.org and Marty & Susan Fortin Tom & Tina Seery interact with us on social media. Gery Gehrmann (NWHOF-2009) Isamu Segawa Dave Gilbertson David Sewell & Jacqui West As you witness and celebrate the impact that the individuals we are honoring today Patrick Girtz Emma Sewell have made upon the sport of wrestling and in their communities, be sure and take Robert & Janna Greenwell Gary & Tonette Snyder pride and comfort in knowing that this ceremony ensures that their legacies will live Norm & Darla Hawath John & Wendy Stengall on for future generations in the State Chapter area of the newly-renovated National Angelica Hayes David and Chris Strand Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum. Mario & Valerie Hernandez Linda Strand Charlie Hinds (NWHOF-2013) Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Stand (Mom & Dad) In the spirit of preserving, recognizing and inspiring. Warren B. Howe, MD (NWHOF-2003) Fred Sturgess Very Sincerely, Inland Empire Wrestling Officials Association Shelly Thiel (NWHOF-2007) Sandy Ishihara The Matt Tschirgi Family Paul (NWHOF-17) & Terry Jackson Cody Todd Howard Johnson Ken Whelan Lee Roy Smith Lance Johnson Kip & Barb Woiwod Executive Director, NWHOF National Wrestling Hall of Fame Washington Chapter Induction Banquet Red Lion Hotel, Olympia, WA March 19, 2017 2:00 pm: Reception 3:00 pm: Welcome and Banquet Inductees escorted by State Chapter Hall of Fame Members Invocation: Darrel White, Washington Chapter 3:45 pm: Introductions, Jim A. Meyerhoff 2008 Honorees, Eastern Washington 2009 Honorees, Western Washington Distinguished Members of the National Hall of Fame Back row: (Cash Stone, Jay Rydell) Dan Hensley. Back row: Bryce Cook, Dick Brenneman, Gary Distinguished Members of the Washington State Wrestling Coaches HOF Front row: Wayne Schutte, Bob Mason accepted by Gehrmann, Bruce Cook. Peg Mason, Stan Opp, Don Fuller. Front row: Phyllis Meyerhoff, Fred Kalal. Washington State National Hall of Fame Organizing Committee Not pictured: Jack Reynolds Video Presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame 4:00 pm: Induction Ceremonies Master of Ceremonies: Al Rasmussen Presenting Awards: Pat Alexander and Jim H Meyerhoff, Washington Chapter Presentation of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame jackets Closing Remarks: Al Rasmussen 2010 Honorees, Eastern Washington 2011 Honorees, Western Washington Les Hogan, Gene Ramos, Maunel Diaz (accepted Back Row: Jamie Bennedsen, Scott Bennedsen, by his son), Ron Seibel, Rick Sicilia, Mike Vahovich, Rick Iversen, Steve Anderson, Rolland Holterman, Bill Elliott, Larry Gibson, Charles Panerio, Dean Gary Knutzen, Chris Yonlick.Front Row: Tracy Ben- National Wrestling Hall of Fame Mission Statement Largent, Pat Fitzpatrick nedsen, Darren Sipe, John Birbeck, Rich Graham, The future of American society depends upon the existence of a strong citizenry, Ray Barnes, Cathie (Yonlick) Howell. comprised of individuals with leadership qualities based on self-discipline, self-reliance, and self-confidence. Because the sport of wrestling helps build these characteristics in youth, regardless of their physical, economic, cultural or geographic backgrounds. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame seeks to broaden the understanding and development of these values. Washington Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Organizing Committee President: Jim H. Meyerhoff Vice President: Pat Alexander Sec/Tres: Kevin Kalal Officials: Terry Beckstead 2013 Honorees, Western Washington 2015 Honorees, Western Washington At-Large: Darrel White State Coaches Assoc: Jim A. Meyerhoff Back Row: Kip Alexander, Terry Beckstead, Ed Back Row: Ron Hudiburg, John Durheim, Tim Eastern WA: Jay Rydell Amick, Doug Chapple, Mick Guglomo, Joe Rea- Crone, Darrel White, Roger Wilson.Front Row: Bill sons. Front Row: Denny Daniels, Charlie Hines, Herber, Denny Stone, Kristin (Greeley) Lynn, John Joe and Andy Bair, George Wilfong DeWeber National Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Washington Chapter March 19, 2017 National Wrestling Hall of Fame 2017 Inductee for Outstanding American Richard “Dick” Muri Ashland High School, Ashland, Massachusetts 1967-1971 University of Massachusetts-Amherst 1971-1975 Vanden Vikings High School, Fairfield, CA. 1985-1988 Incirlik Air Base High School (Turkey) 1989-1990 2002 Honorees, Eastern Washington 2003 Honorees, Western Washington Lakewood Lumberjacks Wrestling Club-Lakewood 1992-2001 Cash Stone, John Rees, Nick Simchuck, Dr. William “Bill” Tomaras, Jim Meyerhoff, Hudtloff Middle School, Lakewood 2001-2003 Eric Beardsley, Ken Pelo Dr. Warren Howe, Albert “Bo” Campbell, (accepted Volunteer Coach Steilacoom High School 2001-2005 by Gary Knutzen), Eugene Cerino Richard “Dick” Muri was born in Fairbanks, Alaska. He wrestled at Ashland High school in Ashland, MA. graduating in 1971 and was a collegiate wrestler and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1975 and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force in 1975. He earned his navigator wings in 1976 and flew the C-141 as a navigator. Muri is an Operation Urgent Fury and Gulf War veteran and served in the Air Force for 22 years retiring in 1998 as a retired lieutenant colonel. After his retirement, Muri turned to the public sector serving as a District 6 Pierce County Councilmember from 2003 to 2012. He also served as a board member of the Steilacoom Historic School District #1 from 1997 to 2004. Muri was appointed to the Washington House of Representatives in July 2013 and elected to his first full term in 2014. He serves on many 2004 Honorees, Eastern Washington 2005 Honorees, Western Washington committees and is passionate about helping veterans and current members of the military and Dick Deane, Jon Lane, Lyle Pugh, Mel Olson, Bill Warren Deprenger, Paul Reiman (accepted by meeting the educational needs of students, teachers and parents. Via son Scott Reiman), Pat Alexander, Vic Eshpeter, During his military and public service careers he has stayed active in wrestling where he Jim Schall, Dick Pruett coached at the high school, middle school and club levels wherever he was stationed and resided for 18 years. Muri has been recognized for his contributions to veterans and students receiving the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, John H. Anderson Military Citizen of the Year in 1996; The District Three Middle School Wrestling Coach of the Year; Inducted in the Fort Lewis Civilian Hall of Fame at Joint Base Lewis- McChord in 2006; 2015 Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs Representative of the Year. Most recently Rep. Dick Muri sponsored House Bill 1830 to create the Washington State Wrestling special vehicle license plate which was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee in 2016. Due to a lack of funding there is currently a shortage of college wrestling programs in Washington State. Funds from these special license plates will go to the Washington State Wrestling Foundation to allocate money for new and existing college wrestling programs. After the signing of the bill, Muri stated, “These license plates can potentially fund one or 2006 Honorees, Eastern Washington 2007 Honorees, Western Washington more college wrestling programs for men and women bringing more opportunities for students Jim Adamson Jay