 |
|
|
National Wrestling Hall of Fame to induct new members
March 23, 2004
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame will induct seven new members at its Minnesota Chapter banquet Saturday, April 24, 2004 at the Holiday Inn & Suites at Owatonna, MN
The late John Ross, the only blind Minnesota state individual wrestling champion from Marshall University High School in Minneapolis, MN, in 1953, will receive the State Medal of Courage Award. John was the last person believed to interview Babe Ruth, at Babe's request, and also published seven novels and invented "Beep Baseball". John lettered at the U of M in wrestling, and later taught and coached at Comfrey, MN. John Passed away in 1998.
Six people will be honored with "The Lifetime Service To Wrestling" award. Richard "Dick" Black, coached at Owatonna and Britt, IA for over 30 years, and coached his team to a state title in 1962 , 326 career coaching wins and numerous state individual champs and place winners. Dick is a member of the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame and Owatonna Hall of fame.
Bob Dettmer, presently Head Wrestling Coach at Forest Lake, MN recently returned to his position this fall, after serving active duty with the US Army Reserve as the Chief Lieutentant Warrant Information Officer in Kuwait. Bob's team won the Minnesota State Class "AAA" title in 1993. Bob's teams have recorded over 325 victories, and numerous individuals that have competed in collegiate ranks, including at the U of M. Bob is also a member of the NAIA National Hall of Fame.
John Grygelko's teams recorded 250 career wins at Robbinsdale High School, and coached 90 state place winners, that still stands as a Minnesota Record today. John, a pioneer of the sport coached his teams to numerous state titles, and also built the fondation for Augsberg's successful collegiate program for 8 years that included an NAIA National Runnerup finish in the 1970's.
The late Norvard "Skip" Nalan coached Grand Rapids for over 25 years and officated at all levels. Skip's teams won the Region 8 Team Championship numerous times and one state runnerup team, and he produced several state champs and place winners, and a number of his wrestlers were highly successful at the collegiate level. "Skip" was a 3-Time Big 10 Champion and 2-Time NCAA Champion at the University of Michigan. "Skip" passed away in the fall of 1989.
Jim Short's teams won 376 matches at Simley High School and four Class "AA" State Team Titles. and coached numerous state champs and place winners. Jim's four sons won seven state indivdiual titles betwen them, which is a Minnesota State Record. Jim's also active with the Minnesota/USA Wrestling Teams and Ninth Grade League Coaching and organizational work, and is the current Athletic Director at Simley High School.
DeWaine Silker of Rochester, A former Iowa State Teachers College wrestler, officiated for 42 years at the high school level and served as MSHSL Rules Interpretator for 10 Years. DeWaine served as the Tournament Manger for the Region I Tournaemnt at the Rochester Mayo Civic Center for years, and is a Co-Founder of the John Philo Scholarship that have provided several wrestlers from Southeastern Minnesota with college sholarships. DeWaine, is a retired Professor from Rochester Community College.
Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Bill Nelson will present the awards, and they will be recognized at the US National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
The banquet will begin with a social hour from 5-6.30 P.M. with a dinner and a program to follow. Tickets may be obtained through Spencer Yohe, Chapter President at 320-392-5847 or syohe@fedteldirect.net
Scott Davis, current OHS coach will serve as the event's host, and is a Committee member.