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Charter Hall of Fame Inductees (l-r) Gary
Schlesinger, Marge and Rod Melroy, Al Thrower and Sue Stutzman |
The first six members of the Huskerland Wrestling Hall of Fame were inducted
on April 13th, 2002 at Sapp Field House in Omaha, Nebraska. The charter class is
made up of two couples and two individuals who have all provided outstanding
service to youth wrestling in the state for over 25 years. Please note that the
inductees full bios and photos will be placed later on our web site. Plaques for
the inductees were provided by Camp Team Sports Insurance. The Huskerland Hall
of Fame was formed to honor those who have given outstanding service to youth
wrestling in this state but have not been inducted into the NSWCA Hall of Fame.
Rod and Marge Melroy - Holdrege Optimist Wrestling Club
(click picture to enlarge)
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Rod and Marge Melroy with
Camp Team Rep Adam Queen (L) |
Rod and Marge have served as club directors for the Holdrege Optimist
Wrestling Club since 1977. Rod was Holdrege's first state champion in 1961 and
he qualified for the NAIA National Tournament while at Kearney State. Rod
started the wrestling club to be able to coach his sons. Marge has organized the
club's annual tournament for 25 straight years. This will be the 15th
Huskerland for the Melroys. Their first ten teams participated in the Nebraska
USA Wrestling State Meet. Six of their teams have finished in the Top 10 at
Huskerland. Their 1997 brought home the Class B State Championship plaque. To
say the least their efforts have been an important factor for the success the
Holdrege wrestling program. They are truly living up to their motto of
"Building a Tradition". Rod and Marge were introduced by their sons
Mark and Troy Melroy.
Gary Schlesinger - Duncan Wrestling Club
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Gary Schlesinger
with Camp Team Rep Adam Queen (L) |
Gary wrestled for Columbus High from 1966-68 and got involved again as a
coach in 1977 when his sons, Scott and Cory, started wrestling with the Columbus
Y. Gary started the Duncan Wrestling Club in 1991. Nine of his teams have
finished in the Top Ten at Huskerland. His 1992 and 2000 teams brought home
Class D State Championship plaques. His son, Cory, was a two time state champion
for Columbus High. Cory went on to gain fame as a Husker fullback and now plays
for the Detroit Lions. Gary has taken wrestlers to major meets all over the
Midwest. They have traveled to Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma to
challenge their wrestlers. With the support of wife Joan, Gary is still coaching
the club. Gary was introduced by Dale Runquis who has coached the Duncan
Wrestling Club the past 11 years.
Jerry and Sue Stutzman - Past Huskerland Board Members
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Sue Stutzman with
Jerry Mundil (R) and Camp Team Rep Adam Queen (L) |
Jerry and Sue got involved with wrestling when their older boys stated to
wrestle. Their six boys went on to win 23 wrestling letters for Schuyler High.
Cody and Levi were state high school champions. Justin and Dusty were state medallists.
Travis and Jeremy are working the meet today as referees. Besides working all
wrestling events held at Schuyler the past two decades Jerry and Sue were active
with the first 15 Huskerlands and as many Cornhusker State Games. Sue served as
coordinator for the Huskerland Young Officials from 1995 to 1999. The Stutzmans
were honored by the NSWCA in 1998 as the Family of the Year. Jerry and Sue are
now enjoying their newest title as "Wrestling Grandparents". Jerry and
Sue was introduced by Jerry Mundil a long time Schuyler Wrestling Club Director
& Huskerland State Meet Manager and 1998 NSWCA Hall of Fame Inductee.
Al Thrower - Bellevue Junior Sports Association
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Al Thower with Camp Team Rep
Adam Queen (L) |
Al at age 78 he has the honor of being the oldest wrestling club director in
the state. Al got his start in wrestling in 1975 as an assistant coach to the
Bellevue Wrestling Club his son had joined. Al got hooked on wrestling and went
on to form the BJSA in 1990. He has had seven Top Ten teams at Huskerland and
last year's team brought home the Class C State Runner-up plaque. Al chartered
the UNL Booster Club in 1982 and served as its president for 7 years. Al was
director of Nebraska Junior State Open that served as a folkstyle state meet
before Huskerland was started. Al still works as a timer and scorer at the State
High School Championships and has done so at many other events including the
Great Plains Open and the National Duals. Al is was introduced by Pat Rush who
has coached wrestling for BJSA the past 15 years.
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