Nat'l Wrestling Hall of Fame to induct Smith, three others
From staff reports
The Oklahoman
Friday, June 2, 2006
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame will induct its new class -- including four-time champion Pat Smith of Oklahoma State -- at ceremonies this weekend.
There will be a reception at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame at 6 p.m. today, following by the presentation of the Honoree's Plaques at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, there will be a luncheon at the Stillwater Country Club at 12:30 p.m.
All four of the Distinguished Members being inducted have achieved incredible firsts during their careers in wrestling.
The distinguished members being inducted into the Hall of are Terry Brands, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Josiah Henson, Tulsa; Tricia Saunders, Phoenix; and Pat Smith, Stillwater.
Tom and Terry Brands became the first twin brothers to win World gold medals the same year when they captured World titles at the World Freestyle Championships in Toronto, Canada. Terry was inducted in 2001. The Brands brothers have become the first twin world champions to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Henson is the first U.S. wrestling referee to work at an Olympic Games when he officiated at the Olympics in the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia.
Saunders will be the first woman inducted and is a four-time World Champion wrestler and coach of the historic 2004 U.S. Olympic women's wrestling team.
Smith is the first four-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion. He won his historic fourth NCAA title at the 1994 NCAA championships in Chapel Hill, N.C.
In addition to the induction of the distinguished members, other awards will be given during the Honors Weekend.
Pat Day of Louisville, Ky., is a Kentucky Derby winner and one of the greatest riders in racing history. He is being inducted as an Outstanding American.
Larry Sciacchetano of Baton Rouge, La., has served on the FILA Bureau, the governing council of the international federation, and as USA Wrestling's president. He will receive the Order of Merit Award.
Randy Meyer of Sheboygan Falls, Wis., an All-American Wrestler in college, will receive the Medal of Courage. Meyer has been has been blind since age 2 and has become a success in school and in business and is now the mayor of Sheboygan Falls.
Sam Williams of Fall Creek, Pa., a top referee in international, high school and college wrestling for almost 40 years, will receive the Lifetime Achievement for Officials award. He was one of the founders of the U.S. Wrestling Officials Association.
David Craig of Brandon, Fla., a four-time high school state champion, Junior National double champion and 3.58 GPA student will receive the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award.
