NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

West Virginia State Chapter

Board of Directors
President: Bill Archer
Vice President: Garry Bender
Treasurer: Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bennett         
Secretary: Diane Archer

Board of Directors
George Keeney, Chairman
Dr. Tim Miller


2007 Inductees

(Additional feature AT THIS LINK)


Greg White (right) receives his award from National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas.
Greg White -- "Medal of Courage"

Greg White was a state place winner for North Marion High School wrestling for Coach Roy Michael and his father, Donnie. Battling health and size problems throughout his high school career endeared him in the hearts of West Virginia wrestling fans, coaches, and wrestlers.

After high school graduation, Greg went on to wrestle at West Virginia University and earned a starting position on the Mountaineer squad in his senior year.

Never one to speak out about what he had over come, Greg just went out and did the best he could do. This was always more than what was expected.

Upon graduation from West Virginia University, he returned to his home town and took over or helps run the family business according to who you ask, Greg or his father.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Greg White with the "Medal of Courage" award, class of 2007.





Andrew Hosey (center) receives his award from National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas (left), and Mike Clair, State Chapters Director, National Wrestling Hall of Fame (right).
Andrew Hosey -- "Distinguished American"

A 1978 graduate of Huntington High School, Andrew Hosey wrestled and played baseball for the Pony Express for three years. He then graduated from Marshall University with a BA Liberal Arts Degree in 1982.

For 22 years, Andrew worked with U.S. Airways holding progressively more responsible management positions. His extensive operational experience was with large HUB operations at Pittsburgh, Charlotte and Philadelphia. At Baltimore/Washington International Airport as U.S. Airways Station Manager, he oversaw the Metrojet operation. Joining the Transportation Security Administration in June 2002, he served as first TSA customer service/quality improvement manager at Baltimore/Washington International. His duties included development and implementation of airline customer satisfaction with Congressionally-mandated security directives for Department of Homeland Security/TSA.

Andrew held the position of Industry Liaison for TSA's Office of National Assessment. During this assignment, Andrew provided leadership to help develop a 21st Century counter terrorism integrated database designed to keep known terrorists and associates from flying on commercial aviation.

Since June 2004, as the Deputy Division Chief at the Transportation Security Administration Operations Center (TSOC), Andrew provides overall supervision of the watch floor to include all personnel, systems, and programs ensuring 24/7/365 domain awareness for all DHS transportation-related security activities worldwide. His reports are responsible for communication and coordination of major transportation incidents that encompass commercial - cargo aviation, mass transit, rail, pipelines, highways and bridges, and postal and shipping. Daily he interacts with all entities located within the TSOC such as National Capital Region Coordination Center, Federal Air Marshall Mission Operations Center, TSA Office of Intelligence, and the National Infrastructure Coordination Center.

Andrew Hosey and his loving wife, Sondra are the proud parents of two children Samuel and Anna.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Andrew C. Hosey with the "Distinguished American" award, class of 2007.



Diana Archer (center) receives her award from National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas (left), and Mike Clair, State Chapters Director, National Wrestling Hall of Fame (right).


Diana Archer -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"

Diana DeMarco Archer graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1967. While attending Marshall University, she met and married Bill Archer in 1969. She earned a B.A. degree in 1971 and a Master's degree in Counseling in 1979. Diana also holds Masters Certififation in scuba diving.

As a supportive wife, Diana helped her husband Bill to bring wrestling to life in Huntington, WV. From the very beginning, she has been the official scorer for the state's largest junior high and high school tournament, the WSAZ Wrestling Invitational. Along with Bill's efforts, she helped organize and score the West Virginia AAU Junior High Tournament at Marshall University for several years. She has served as co-director and official scorer for the West Virginia State Wrestling Tournament for 36 years. At all these tournaments, she has helped organize hospitality rooms for coaches and HHS wrestlers.

During Bill's early years of coaching job at Huntington High School, Diana helped him publish "THE WEST VIRGINIA WRESTLER" state newspaper for five years.

For 30, Diana has been blessed with a very rewarding job as Counselor at Huntington High School, briefly at Huntington East High School, and presently at Huntington (West) Middle School. This has given her countless opportunities to provide support to the many wrestlers, matmaids, parents, and coaches whom she has met through the great sport of Wrestling.

Diana and her loving husband, Bill have two sons, Robbie De (Anna) and Bull (Melanie). They have four wonderful and loving grandchildren, Molly, Samuel, Mattie, and Macy.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Diana Jo Archer with a "Lifetime of Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2007.


Bill Archer (center) receives his award from National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas (left), and Mike Clair, State Chapters Director, National Wrestling Hall of Fame (right).
William Archer -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"

Bill Archer was Huntington High School's first State Wrestling Champion in 1966. He accepted a wrestling scholarship to Marshall University and was the school's three year career all-time wins leader. In 2004, Bill was inducted into the Marshall University Athletic Hall of Fame. He holds a BA in Education and two Masters Degrees in Educational Administration and Counseling from Marshall.

For thirty-five years, he coached Huntington High School Wrestling from 1971-2005 with 25 regional championships, 26 individual state champions, and a 465-83 dual meet record. Bill was honored as West Virginia State Coach of the Year three times and National Coach of the Year in 2001.

Bill has been director of WSAZ Invitational Tournament, the state's largest tournament for 35 years and director of the West Virginia State Tournament for 36 years. Through his many efforts, dedication and hard work to benefit his hometown, Bill was inducted into the Huntington High School Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Greater Huntington Wall of Fame in 2006.

Currently he holds the position of Principal at St. Joseph High School after retiring eight years ago from the Assistant Principal position at Huntington High School. Bill is a Certified Master Scuba Diver, enjoys farming, reading, and deer hunting.

Bill Archer and his loving wife of 45 years, Diana are the parents of two sons Rob and Bull. Rob succeeded his Dad as Coach of the Huntington High School Wrestling Team. The Archer's have four grandchildren - Molly, Samuel, Mattie, and Macy.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors William J. Archer with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2007.



Coach Gilson (center) receives his award from National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas (left), and Mike Clair, State Chapters Director, National Wrestling Hall of Fame (right).
Ed Gilson -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"

Ed Gilson started wrestling in the ninth grade. He went on to compete and graduate at the University of Northern Iowa. After coaching one year in Iowa, Ed served a tour in Vietnam for the U.S. Army and returned from duty in 1971.

He coached in Maryland at Saverna Park Junior High and Saverna Park High School. Then he moved to Chesapeake (Md.) High School where his team won the state championship in 1981. He began coaching at Independence High School in 1982.

His 1995 Patriot team was state runner-up in the AA division and his 1996 team won the West Virginia State Championship.

During his 37 years of coaching, his teams have won over 370 dual matches and 60 tournament championships, which include 13 regional titles. Ed has coached 45 state finalists, 13 state champions, and 90 state place winners. In 1996, he was named AA West Virginia "Coach of the Year".

Not only has Ed served as a wrestler and coach, he has worked clinics, officiated and directed numerous tournaments. He also has been a past member of the State Wrestling Committee and was President of the State Coaches Association. Outside of wrestling, Ed has coached track and cross country, served as a Cub Scout leader, and has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ed often says that he has been blessed with wonderful parents, cooperative principals, and hundreds of young athletes who have made him proud of their accomplishments. At least thirty of those athletes have coached wrestling at some level.

Ed and his loving wife, Mary Ann, are the proud parents of three sons - Eddie, Andrew, and Matthew.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Ed Gilson with a "Lifetime of Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2007.


Coach George Kovalick

Coach Kovalick's award is accepted by his son, Mike Kovalick, M.D. (left) and wife Evelyn Kovalick (center). Presenting the award is National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas (right), who was coached by Kovalick at Bridgeport Ohio.

George Kovalick -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"

George E. Kovalick is recognized as the "Father" of high school wrestling in the Ohio Valley.

Coach Kovalick has previously been honored with memberships including the West Liberty State College Hall of Fame, the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

George was selected as the inaugural recipient of the OVAC's "Mr. Mat" Award in 1976, an honor bestowed annually for outstanding contributions to the sport of wrestling.

As a sports mentor, Coach Kovalick produced numerous championship teams in football, wrestling and baseball. In fact, his 1964 WLSC baseball team won the NAIA Championship, the only national title captured in the school's history. Among the athletes he coached in high school and college are John Havlicek, Joe and Phil Niekro, and world-class wrestler and coach Bobby Douglas.

George was not only one of the founders of the OVAC Wrestling Tournament, but his Bridgeport, Ohio "Bulldogs" won the first seven conference championships. Kovalick's 1959 Bridgeport team won the Ohio State Wrestling Championship. He is also the only coach in the history of West Virginia wrestling to be named coach of the year in 1974 as an assistant at Weir High School.

The late George Kovalick and his wife Evelyn have four children: George, Mike, Will, and Joe. They also have 9 grandchildren.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors George Kovalick with a "Lifetime of Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2007.



The Honorable A. James Manchin

National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas presents the award to Stella Manchin, wife of the late A. James. They are flanked by son, Mark Manchin (right), and nephew, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin (left).
A. James Manchin -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"

A. James Manchin graduated from Farmington High School. His mother received his diploma in his stead, because he was proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his honorable service, he went on to graduate from West Virginia University with a Bachelor's Degree and then a Masters Degree.

During his years at WVU, A. James became a popular member of the WVU Wrestling Team. Often he wrestled in front of packed houses and was well known for his colorful personality and entertaining style, much to the delight of those in attendance.

After graduation, Mr. Manchin taught in public schools in Wetzel, Greenbrier, Wood and Webster counties where he also coached wrestling and various other sports. He is responsible for starting wrestling programs at Hundred High School and Webster Springs High School where his wife dyed long underwear blue for the boys to wrestle in.

A. James began his public service career when elected to the WV House of Delegates from 1948 to 1950. He was named State Director of the Farmer's Home Administration from 1961 to 1971. He served as State Director of REAP until 1976 when he was elected to Secretary of State. He served in this capacity until 1984, when he was elected State Treasurer of West Virginia, an office he held until 1988 when he retired. After participating in the Silvered Haired Legislature until 1998, he was reelected to the WV House of Delegates some 50 years after his first term.

A. James Manchin passed away on November 3, 2003 in Fairmont. He is survived by his wife Stella, a son Mark Anthony and wife Virginia, and two daughters, Patricia and Rosanna.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors A. James Manchin with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2007.




National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas presents the award to Jack Perry (right).
Jack Perry -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"

After graduating in 1955 from Charleston High School where he played football all three years, Jack Perry served in the U.S. Army from 1956-58. He then attended Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) where he graduated in 1963 with a B.S. Degree. Later he received an M.A. in Administration from West Virginia University in 1972 and an M.A. in Industrial Safety from Marshall University in 1979.

Jack spent his career in education in Kanawha County from 1969 to 1997 while coaching football, wrestling, and track at Lincoln Junior High and Stonewall Jackson Junior High. From 1997-2000, he served as assistant wrestling coach at Capital High.

At the junior high level, Jack was very successful. He was one of the founders of the junior high wrestling program in the Kanawha Valley and later helped promote little league wrestling. Under Jack's leadership, his wrestling teams won 11 county championships and had 76 individual champions, including sons P.J., Heath, and Paige.

Also Jack served several years as President of the Kanawha County Jr. High Coaches Association and thirteen years as Jr. High Representative for the West Virginia Coaches Association. He directed the Kanawha County Wrestling Tournament for eighteen years.

Jack's successes and dedication did not go unnoticed. In 1985, the West Virginia Coaches Association named him West Virginia Junior High Coach of the Year. In 1991, he was chosen as Kanawha County Coach of the Year.

Jack Perry and his lovely wife, Suzy, have four children ----PJ, Heath, and Paige, and daughter Brooke. PJ and wife, Letha, have blessed them with three grandchildren ---Callie, Brock and Braxton.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Jack L. Perry with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2007.




Coach Jim Potts (center) receives his award from from National Hall of Fame member Bobby Douglas (left), and Mike Clair, State Chapters Director, National Wrestling Hall of Fame (right).
Jim Potts -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"

Jim Potts graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School where he was a member of the State championship football team in 1963. He continued successfully with a B.A.,degree from Glenville State College.

During his thirty-one years as head wrestling coach at Cameron High School, Jim has enjoyed a string of virtually unbroken success. His Dragons teams won four consecutive W.V. Class A-AA State Championships from 1991-1994, finished second in the state tournament on three other occasions and also posted a trio of third place finishes. He has coached a total of 34 individual state champions, including R.C. Anderson - a rare four-time state champion. Under Jim's direction, Cameron has won 15 OVAC Class A dual meet championships, 14 OVAC Class A tournament championships and posted a staggering 363-94-4 dual meet record.

Jim was named OVAC Class A Wrestling Coach of the Year 15 times and earned five West Virginia Class A-AA Coach of the Year Awards.

Jim and his lovely wife, Betty have two children, son Eric and daughter Jaime. They are also proud of their four grandchildren.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors James "Jim" Potts with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2007.

2007 Induction Ceremony Feature


Hall of Fame Main Page

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