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History of George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame

History of the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame

The George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted its character members in 1977, however, the development program began in 1975 and was sponsored by the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association. Heading the development program was Jim Stephenson who at the time was an Area Representative for the Coach Assocation and head wrestling coach at Waunakee. After a year and a half of research, Stephenson presented his ideas to the Executive Committee of the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association and the wheels were put into motion.

Jim Stephenson was appointed Chairman of the Hall of Fame ... the first official order of business was to name the organization. A unanimous choice was made to name the Hall of Fame after George Martin. Members of the first Nominating Committee were Paul Brandl, PLymouth; Stan Yazawa, Denmark; Ron Wojchik, Mauston; and Don Hartman, Osceola. It was the responsibility of this group to screen the nominations and to pass on the qualifiers to the Selection Committee for final approval. The first Selection Committee was made up of Bob Spicuzza, Milwaukee; Al Bauman, Mineral Point, Bob Downing, Sun Prairie; and Larry Marchionda, Fond du Lac.

Eighteen Charter Members were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977. Joining George Martin as Charter Members were Frank Chalupa, Jim Douglas, George Gregor, Russ Hellickson, Barney Karpfinger, Larry Lederman, Joe Nowak, Larry O'Neil, Ben Peterson, John Peterson, John Powers, John Roberts, Ken Shermacher, Ed Stech, Ray Stone, Kirby Symes and Guy Weaver.

In 1977 Jim Stephenson left Wisconsin and the Chairman of the Hall of Fame was taken on by Don Hartman of Osceola and Joe Kind of Pulaski. Also in 1978, the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association had the "George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame" display case permanently placed in the University of Wisconsin Fieldhouse.

In 1981 a second display case was added to the display area in the University of Wisconsin Fieldhouse.

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