2010 Induction Banquet
Six state men inducted in Wrestling Hall of Fame
MASHANTUCKET, Conn., April 10, 2010 -- Six men from Connecticut were inducted in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and were 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 were inducted and received Lifetime Achievement awards. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Gralyn Harris, a former wrestler at Holy Cross in Waterbury, was inducted and honored as an Outstanding American.
The induction banquet was held Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Grand Pequot Tower at Foxwoods Resort and Casino.
The six inductees joined 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 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 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
2012 Board of Directors
Ted Oczkowski, President
203-579-6333, Ext. 6420, e-mail: ted.oczkowski@ct.gov
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
Mark Cammisa, Vice President, Nominations
914-241-9170, e-mail: markcammisa@comcast.net
Carmen Delvecchio, Banquet Coordinator
860-669-2815, e-mail: Delcd@aol.com
John Vino, Director
860-535-4747, e-mail: vino12342@comcast.net
Gary Tilbe, Director
203-266-7702, e-mail: gtilbe@sbcglobal.net
Nick Grosso, Director
203-404-3324, e-mail: raiders818075@yahoo.com
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 Mark Cammisa, Vice President, Nominations by e-mail at markcammisa@comcast.net
We are now accepting nominations for the 2013 banquet.
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
Hall of Fame nominations being accepted
Applications are now being accepted for nominations of Connecticut men or women to be considered for induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame by the Connecticut chapter of the organization. Twenty-nine Connecticut coaches, officials and contributors have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The chapter is considering nominations for its upcoming April 2013 banquet. Click on the link for additional information and a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2012.
Nominations being accepted for college scholarships
The Connecticut chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its three $500 college scholarships to deserving high school wrestlers from Connecticut. The chapter is offering a Scholar/Athlete scholarship, a Career Achievement scholarship and the Erik Weihenmayer scholarship for overcoming exceptional adversity. The deadline for submitting your nomination is March 15.
Click on the link below for more information on the three scholarships, how to apply and
our previous scholarship winners.
