2023 Upstate New York Chapter of National Wrestling Hall of Fame Honorees and Award WinnersThe Upstate New York State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame would like to announce their new inductees into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and this year's winner of the Outstanding American Award. The Upstate New York Chapter is dedicated to the main goals of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame which are (1) recognizing excellence in wrestling in the Upstate New York area; (2) preserving the rich and colorful history of wrestling in Upstate New York and (3) inspiring future generations of New Yorkers to participate in one of the oldest and greatest sports in the world.
This year we take great pride in recognizing the individuals who will be honored on September 24, 2023 at the Double Tree Hotel in East Syracuse, New York. The individuals who will be receiving the Lifetime Service Award at this occasion are: Robert Coppola - high school coach Central Square in Section III; Gary Edwards - high school coach at Peru Central School in Section VII; Kevin Gallagher - high school coach at Minisink Valley Central in Section IX; Dave Hickson - national wrestling official; John Leone - high school coach at Penfield Central School in Section V; Tom Stanbro - high school coach in Greene Central School in Section IV. In addition, this year the Upstate New York Chapter will present with our Outstanding American Award to Jack Romagnoli - former coach at Canastota High School and wrestler at St. Lawrence University. James Johnson from Section V and the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle will be presented with the annual Stanbro Media Award for his work promoting wrestling in the Empire State.
These awards reflect on the distinguished careers that each of the recipients have had in the sport of wrestling and life. The Hall of Fame Ceremony will be held on September 24, 2023 and further information can be obtained from Carl Koenig at carlkoenig@stny.rr.com or by calling 607.244.8432. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. Thank you for supporting wrestling in your area and the state of New York.
Honorees: Robert Coppola, Gary Edwards, Kevin Gallagher, Dave Hickson, John Leone, Tom Stanbro, Jack Romagnoli - Outstanding American Award, James Johnson - Stanbro Media Award.
Ads and congratulatory notes can be obtained by contacting Carl Koenig -
carlkoenig@stny.rr.com.
Cost: back and inside front page $ 500; full page $400; half page $250 and quarter page $150.
The invitations will be sent out in early July and will be placed on the Upstate New York Chapter's wrestling websites for everyone! The public is welcomed.
Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame - Induction Ceremony - September 24, 2023
LocationDouble Tree Hotel
6301 NY 298
East Syracuse, New York 13057
315.432.0200
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/syrdtdt-whf-a00cd24a-3926-4a56-8601-d92dc656908f/TimesSeptember 24, 2023 - Sunday
Noon - 1:00 - Social & Individual Exhibits of Memorabilia in Cross Road Room - Exhibit tables of the individual honorees and bio poster boards will be featured in the Cross Roads Room for viewing. In addition, there will be complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Seats will be placed around the room for people's comfort. Attendees are encouraged to view the memorabilia and socialized with friends of the wrestling community.
1:00 to 1:45 - Dinner
1:45 to 4:00 - Induction Ceremony
Cost of banquet ticket (combination steak & chicken dinner) - $70
Cash bar
Contact - carlkoenig@stny.rr.com or call 607.244.8432 for tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at
Ticketleap.com - $74
Carl Koenig
President of Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame