First Annual Hall of Fame Dinner

From the Gateway Center at the University of North Texas to Hallowed Walls in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, seven Texas members were honorably inducted as they received their plaques and green jackets on May 22, 2004. Many do not realize the significance of this prestigious honor.  The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is the only facility in the United States that pays homage to the sport's past, present and future. For Texas the walls within the Hall of Fame lay barren since a Texas State Chapter was nonexistent.   A grass roots brigade was spearheaded by Bob Maughan, Allan Rodger and others to organize a Texas State Chapter for the Lone Star State.   Due to their efforts the walls will never be barren again for on this day in May, the wrestling community got the opportunity to share in this momentous occasion as Paul Aubrey, Lelan Brotherman, Jim Guinta, Terry Knouse, Tim Marzuola, Rick Ortega, were inducted for  their "Lifetime of Service to Wrestling" achievements.  Stephon Breedlove, followed suit as the "Medal of Honor" recipient and proudly joined the group of  inductees into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

For  many of the inductees tributes were paid to the athletes, parents, friends, family and personal mentors. For others it was a realization of the lives they have touched.  As Terry Knouse stated his passion for the sport was just a "hobby".  The hobby that he spoke of so vividly would earn him five State Tournament Team Championships.  Tim Marzuola reflected on the "Measure of a Man".  He spoke eloquently on the interpretation of  the statement,  you should not measure a man on what he has done, but rather measure of him by what he does when no one is watching. Stephon Breedlove's declaration of  his gratitude for  being given the opportunity  to participate and become a part of the wrestling family symbolizes the heritage and legacy the state has for the love of the sport.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame legacy will continue to prosper for the Texas wrestling family as it begins its journey through the Panhandle in 2005 and Houston in 2006.