National Wrestling Hall of Fame Video 2015
High school, College and Olympic wrestlers are some of the best athletes you’ll ever find! But, only the best of the best make it into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater. It was established in 1976 and the 39th class was just inducted. This year’s honorees were Frank Bettucci, Joe Gonzales, Sammie Henson, and Greg Johnson. These four had stellar careers and greatly enriched the sport of wrestling. The crew at Willis Granite Products helped create the portraits of these four outstanding men. Those portraits are on display at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Oklahoma has a rich tradition of excellence in wrestling. Some of the past honorees include Dan Gable, and John Smith.
Willis Granite Products has a rich tradition of excellence too and the Willis Granite Crew is honored to be involved in the Hall of Fame. Since 1976 they’ve created almost 200 portraits!
To see a wonderful facility that celebrates a wonderful sport, stop by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater. For the very best in memorials to honor a life, an event, or a place, contact Willis Granite Products in Granite, Altus, Oklahoma City, and Stillwater. Find us online at willisgranite.com
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame is located at 405 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater, OK 74075.
You can find more about the National Wrestling Hall of Fame at their website nwhof.org.
National Wrestling Hall of Fame Feature
A feature of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame located in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Written, filmed, edited and produced by Austyn Knox, Jill Hundley, Savannah Survil, Maddy McGrew and Taryn Sanderson for Fundamentals of Audio and Video Production at Oklahoma State University.
Lincoln McIlravy Interview - Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Interview with Lincoln McIlravy, about his induction as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla., June 2010.
Joe Gonzales, Distinguished Member of National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Joe Gonzales on being inducted as a Distinguished Member of National Wrestling Hall of Fame at Honors Weekend in Stillwater, Okla.
Holiday Inn & Suites Stillwater-University West - Stillwater (Oklahoma), USA - Video Review
Holiday Inn & Suites Stillwater-University West - Exclusive price! -
This hotel is located in Stillwater, 3 miles from Oklahoma State University. The hotel offers an outdoor pool with hot tub, gym and rooms with flat-screen TVs.
Guestrooms at the Holiday Inn & Suites Stillwater-University West are equipped with a microwave and refrigerator. The rooms feature modern dark wood furniture. The rooms also have access to free Wi-Fi.
Guests at the Holiday Inn & Suites Stillwater can dine in the West End Restaurant. The hotel also has barbecue facilities.
The Holiday Inn and Suites is 3 miles from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Museum. The Cimarron Casino is 10 miles from the hotel.
Induction Video for 2016 Distinguished Member William B. Harlow
Each honoree inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame has a video highlighting their career.
Here is the video for William B. Harlow from when he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2016.
Distinguished Members can be a wrestler who has achieved extraordinary success in national and/or international competition; a coach who has demonstrated great leadership in the profession and who has compiled an outstanding record; or a contributor whose long-term activities have substantially enhanced the development and advancement of the sport.
(Editor's Note: Biography is from when Bill Harlow was inducted in 2016)
Thought to be the best wrestler ever to come from Tennessee and one of the greatest big men to wrestle for Oklahoma State Wrestling, William B. Harlow was a state champion, a three-time NCAA finalist and a three-time national freestyle champion.
When he arrived at Oklahoma State University, however, he felt as though he had a lot of catching up to do technically and spent his years in Stillwater as a “human sponge” absorbing everything he could learn. With Distinguished Members Yojiro Uetake, Bobby Douglas, and Gene Davis as teammates during his collegiate career, learning opportunities were scattered throughout the wrestling room. He quickly gained a reputation as a slick and smooth wrestler, using technique rarely seen in a man of his size.
Harlow finished second in his first trip to the NCAA finals as a sophomore in 1964. As a junior, he won the Big Eight Conference title, but again finished as runner-up in the national tournament. Finally, as a senior, he moved up to 191 pounds and compiled a 21-0-1 record and won both the Big Eight and NCAA championships. With Uetake and Davis, he led Oklahoma State Athletics to the national team title, the second of his tenure as a Cowboy. Overall, he finished his collegiate career with a record of 54-5-2.
Harlow began his wrestling career as an eighth grader, competing for the high school team at St. Andrews School in Sewanee, Tenn. Over five years, he lost only one match and, as a senior in 1962, won the national prep championship, the state championship and his fifth Mid-South championship, earning Outstanding Wrestler honors at all three tournaments.
After leaving Oklahoma State, he concentrated on freestyle, winning three national titles, including being named Outstanding Wrestler in 1974. He represented USA Wrestling at the 1970 World Championships in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and won a silver medal, falling in the 90 kg. finals to Soviet Gennady Strakhov.
As he continued to train and compete, he began a high school coaching career that would last for almost 50 years, beginning in Illinois. He returned to Oklahoma, coaching at Broken Arrow High School for 16 years while teaching and working as an administrator. He was principal and wrestling coach for three years at Kellyville, Okla., High School before serving eight years in Alaska as an administrator and wrestling coach. He returned to Oklahoma to teach and coach at Sapulpa High School until his retirement in 2013.
Harlow received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2010, he was presented The Gallagher Award, given annually to an OSU wrestling alumnus who exemplifies the spirit and leadership eminent in the tradition of champions.
In recognition of his achievements as both a wrestler and a coach, William B. Harlow is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Here are all the plaques dedicated to greats in the sport at the hall of fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma...adjacent to Oklahoma State University.
Melvin Douglas III, Distinguished Member, National Wrestling Hall of Fame, 2013
Melvin Douglas III, upon being inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla., June 1, 2013
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Stillwater, Oklahoma, by Wikipedia / CC BY SA 3.0
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Stillwater is a city in northeast Oklahoma at the intersection of US-177 and State Highway 51. It is the county seat of Payne County, Oklahoma, United States. As of 2012, the city population was estimated to be 46,560, making it the tenth largest city in Oklahoma. Stillwater is the principal city of the Stillwater Micropolitan Statistical Area which had a population of 78,399 according to the 2012 census estimate. Stillwater was part of the first Oklahoma Land Run held on April 22, 1889 when the Unassigned Lands were opened for settlement and became the core of the new Oklahoma Territory. The city charter was adopted on August 24, 1889. Stillwater is home to the main campus of Oklahoma State University as well as Northern Oklahoma College - Stillwater, Meridian Technology Center, and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
Stillwater has a diverse economy with a foundation in aerospace, agribusiness, biotechnology, optoelectronics, printing and publishing, and software and standard manufacturing. The city operates under a council-manager government system. The city's largest employer is Oklahoma State University. It was one of the 100 Best Places to Live in 2010, according to CNN Money Magazine.
Stillwater is located in the area popularly known as Tornado Alley. It has a humid subtropical climate and the highest recorded temperature was 115 °F on August 11, 1936 (46 °C).
The city is home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum and the NCAA Division I Oklahoma State Cowboys and Cowgirls.
The north-central region of Oklahoma became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. In 1832, author and traveler Washington Irving provided the first recorded description of the area around Stillwater in his book A Tour on the Prairies. He wrote of “a glorious prairie spreading out beneath the golden beams of ...
Lincoln McIlravy induction into National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Lincoln McIlravy has his plaque unveiled during induction ceremonies at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla., June 2010
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum TV
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma, was founded to preserve the history of the world’s oldest sport, to recognize extraordinary achievements and to inspire future generations.
Visitors of all ages can experience the rich history of wrestling through interactive exhibits, electronic kiosks, including being able to watch championship matches and children will enjoy the fun of a scavenger hunt.
The greatest names in wrestling are recognized in the John T. Vaughan Hall of Honors, including the Distinguished Members gallery featuring the iconic granite plaques that have been presented to honorees since the Hall of Fame’s inception. The Hall of Honors also features national award recipients for Meritorious Official, Medal of Courage, Outstanding American and Order of Merit. It also recognizes honorees from State Chapters across the country, and has the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame area which offers a glimpse into wrestling around the globe.
The Paul K. Scott Museum of History showcases a portion of the largest collection of wrestling artifacts and memorabilia in the world, including the most collegiate and Olympic wrestling uniforms, and portraits of United States wrestling Gold Medalists.
The William S. Hein Library houses wrestling books from around the world, historical documents, including NCAA guides and results, and bound copies of Amateur Wrestling News dating back to 1956.
And remember to pose for pictures on the podium used in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Before you leave make sure to visit the gift shop to pick up your perfect souvenir or memorabilia.
For more information visit our website and be sure to follow us on social media.
Welcome to your National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum!
Mike Golic awarded Outstanding American by National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Mike Golic is awarded the 2015 Outstanding American honor by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame at Honors Weekend n Stillwater, Okla.
Mike Golic National Wrestling Hall of Fame induction speech
2015 Oustanding American Mike Golic gives his National Wrestling Hall of Fame induction speech at Honors Weekend in Stillwater, Okla.
National Wrestling Hall of Fame State Chapter 2017
Every bead of sweat, every aching muscle and every hour of training are all in preparation for that one match.
For some, that match may only be a glimpse, for others, it may be the biggest moment of their life.
Every wrestler walks onto the mat with one goal in mind … To WIN!
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma was founded in 1976 to preserve the history of the world’s oldest sport, to recognize extraordinary achievements and to inspire future generations.
In 2010, the organization expanded with the acquisition of what became the Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.
Over one million athletes compete in wrestling, including more females than ever before.
Beginning with the Charter Class of 14 Distinguished Members, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is the focal point for the past, the present and the future of wrestling.
Your Hall of Fame is committed to recognizing outstanding contributors through its State Chapters.
From Olympic Champions to legendary coaches, the Hall of Fame is where wrestling’s elite are immortalized.
Wrestling defines character traits including commitment, perseverance responsibility, sacrifice, discipline, and honor … the Hall of Fame celebrates and honors those who exemplify these qualities.
The history of the sport comes to life at the museums through memorabilia,… artifacts,… videos… and interactive displays.
The crown jewel of the Hall of Fame is the John T. Vaughan Hall of Honors, where State Chapter honorees are proudly featured with the greats of our sport.
One of the legends is three-time NCAA champion Danny Hodge.
Wrestlers have played an influential role in the building of our country, including several who went on to hold the highest office in America. Your Hall of Fame takes pride in helping to provide inspiration, particularly for student athletes.
We draw our inspiration from those who work with our youth, not only teaching our sport but more importantly its character-building and life-altering traits.
Preserving history … Recognizing excellence … Inspiring generations, paying tribute to not only the oldest sport … but the greatest sport.
Welcome to your National Wrestling Hall of Fame!
Pat Milkovich National Wrestling Hall of Fame speech for Gregory Johsnon
Pat Milkovich gives his National Wrestling Hall of Fame speech on behalf of 2015 Distinguished Member Gregory Johsnon at Honors Weekend in Stillwater, Okla.
Rulon Gardner induction into National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Rulon Gardner has his plaque unveiled during induction ceremonies at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla., June 2010
Joe Gonzales unveiled as 2015 Distinguished Member of National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Joe Gonzales is unveiled as a 2015 Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame at Honors Weekend in Stillwater, Okla.
Dennis Hall interview at his Wrestling Hall of Fame induction
Interview with Dennis Hall during his induction as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla., June 2011
United World Wrestling
United World Wrestling is the international governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling; its duties include overseeing wrestling at the Olympics. It presides over international competitions for various forms of wrestling, including Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling for men and women, as well as others. The flagship event of UWW is the Wrestling World Championships. It was formerly known as the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, having assumed its current name in September 2014.
Adaptations to the international regulations set by UWW are usually made by each national federation for all national and regional competitions.
UWW is the body responsible for supervising Olympic wrestling, and so competitions for freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling take place every Summer Olympiad.
Besides the Summer Olympics, there are also various international competition such as the Commonwealth Games, the Pan-American Games, etc. that have wrestling as an official sport. Also, the Continental Championships and Continental Cups usually take place annual and are regulated by each Continental Committee. Then, there are World Championships that usually take place among the various nations every year, and many international tournaments that take place between countries and among wrestlers of the same country.
These tournaments encompass a wide variety of age categories and also both genders, but can also take place separately for each gender or for each age category.
UWW also sponsors training for athletes in the various wrestling styles at training centers, currently located in Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. The International Wrestling Hall of Fame, located in Stillwater, Oklahoma awards individuals with honors in Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, women's wrestling, and officiating.
UWW is now based in Corsier-sur-Vevey, outside of Lausanne, Switzerland. The official languages are English and French. UWW is governed by a Congress made up of representatives from each of the 174 national wrestling federations. National federations that at least govern the two Olympic wrestling styles are admitted as affiliate members. Those national federations that exclusively govern traditional wrestling and other styles can be admitted as associated members. Up to three representatives from each federation may attend the conference, and only one may vote. The Congress meets at least every two years, usually during the Olympic games or during the World Championships that meet between Olympic games. The UWW Congress in turn elects members of the UWW Bureau and the UWW President.
The Bureau serves as the directing and administrating body of UWW. The UWW Bureau is composed of the president, four vice presidents, the Secretary General, 12 other elected members, the presidents of the five Continental Committees, and an Honorary President who advises but has no vote. Honorary members are also in turn elected to the Bureau but do not vote. The President, the Vice presidents, and the Secretary General make up the Executive Committee. Each of the members represents himself or herself personally and has an individual vote in the Congress. No two members represent the same nationality.
The UWW President manages the day-to-day affairs of the organization. The President represents UWW at international meetings, before the International Olympic Committee, and before the general public. The current interim President of UWW is Nenad Lalovic from Serbia who has served in that role since 2013. Bureau members and the President serve for six-year terms and can be reelected. Usually one third of the Bureau members are up for reelection every two years.
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Joe Gonzales National Wrestling Hall of Fame induction speech
2015 Distinguished Member Joe Gonzales gives his National Wrestling Hall of Fame induction speech at Honors Weekend in Stillwater, Okla.