Induction banquet set for April 10
Six state men selected for induction in National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Six men from Connecticut have been selected for induction in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and will be honored in a banquet in April by the Connecticut chapter of the Oklahoma-based Hall of Fame and museum.
Former Holy Cross coach and athletic director James Cunningham, former Berlin High coach Jim Day, former Maloney High coach and long-time official Ray Mainville, former Danbury High coach and official Michael Morris and current Derby High coach Walter Jadach will be inducted and receive Lifetime Achievement awards. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Gralyn Harris, a former wrestler at Holy Cross in Waterbury, will be inducted and honored as an Outstanding American.
The induction banquet will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Tickets are $75 each.
The six inductees join 23 other Connecticut men previously inducted in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The Lifetime Achievement award is for coaches, officials, media or contributors with at least 20 years of service. The Outstanding American award is for former wrestlers who have received state or national acclaim in his/her chosen profession.
Each award recipient will be permanently recognized in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Stillwater, Oklahoma) with an embossed name plaque, and each receives a plaque and jacket to commemorate the very special occasion.
What we do
The Connecticut Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors individuals in three ways:
The Lifetime Service Award Program, coordinated by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, is designed to honor and recognize dedicated wrestling people for their years of commitment to young people. The award is not about win/loss records. It is about a person’s dedicated efforts to help young people to not only succeed in wrestling, but also in life.
The Medal of Courage Award is given to a wrestler who has overcome overwhelming adversity to be successful on the mats and in his own life.
The Outstanding American Award is presented to an individual who was a former wrestler and has received state or national acclaim in his/her chosen profession.
Each award recipient is permanently recognized in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Stillwater, Oklahoma) with an embossed name plaque, and each receives a plaque and jacket to commemorate this very special occasion.
Who to contact
Connecticut chapter
2009 Board of Directors
Ted Oczkowski, President
860-350-6647, Ext. 1411, e-mail: oczkowskit@newmilfordps.org
Dr. Erich Doubek, Treasurer and vice president, Finance
860-354-8583, e-mail: drdoubek@sbcglobal.net
Gerry deSimas, Jr., Corresponding Secretary
860-673-5483, e-mail: CTwrestling7@yahoo.com
Brian Manzi, Vice President, Nominations
860-828-0258, e-mail: bmanzi@bbthreaded.com
Carmen Delvecchio, Banquet Coordinator
860-669-2815, e-mail: Delcd@aol.com
Mark Cammisa, Director
914-241-9170, e-mail: markcammisa@comcast.net
John Vino, Director
860-535-4747, e-mail: vino12342@comcast.net
National Contacts
Lee Roy Smith
405-377-5243; e-mail: lsmith@wreslinghalloffame.org
Mike Clair
717-615-2323; e-mail: mclair@wrestlinghalloffame.org
Nominations
Any person may nominate an individual for induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame by the Connecticut Chapter. Please complete and submit the nomination form below.
For any questions regarding nominations and submission of information, please contact Brian Manzi, Vice President, Nominations, 26 Jeffrey Lane, Berlin, Conn., 06037 or by e-mail at bmanzi@bbthreaded.com
Deadline for nominations for the 2010 banquet has passed. Any nominations received will be considered for future induction events.
Criteria for awards
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Coach, official, contributor
1. Integrity
2. At least 20 years of service to wrestling
3. A commitment to the community and the youth in it
Outstanding American
1. Integrity
2. Former wrestler at some point in their life
3. Highly successful in their profession or nationally famous for their work
4. Used the disciplines learned in wrestling to reach those levels
Medal of Courage
1. A current or former wrestler who has overcome exceptional challenges
