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NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAMEWest Virginia State Chapter |
NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME
West Virginia State Chapter
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President: William Archer Vice Presidents: Garry Bender, Roy Michael Treasurers: Wayne and Diana Bennett Secretary: Diana Archer |
George Keeney, Banquet Chairman Dr. William Welker Jenny Hannan, Photographer, Website Manager Dr. Timothy Miller and Mary Kay Miller |
 Randy Daniel (right) receives his award from Wayne Bennett, (WV HOF '08) |
Randy Daniel -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" Randy Daniel attended Trap Hill High School and graduated from Liberty High School in 1979. After his graduation in 1984 from Concord College, he began his teaching career in science at Sophia Junior High along with his start at coaching wrestling. In 1987, he transferred to Liberty High School where he also coached Golf, Cross Country and was Assistant Track Coach. In the Raleigh County area, Randy has been a head wrestling coach for a total of 30 years. He has had 6 individual State Champions, 39 individual State Place winners and 135 State qualifiers. Liberty HS has won the Region 3 Championship and had 20 Regional Champions. They have also won numerous Coalfield Conference Titles. His friend, WVHOF Wayne Bennett has stated, "Randy was the HEART AND SOUL of wrestling in the Raleigh West area." He was instrumental in establishing the Raleigh West Youth Wrestling League in 1995 and re-establishing the Trap Hill Middle School Program. When anyone meets him, you can immediately feel Randy has a true love of wrestling which is quite evident in his many years of coaching. Randy has been married to his lovely wife, Karen for 38 years and they reside is Surveyor, WV. They are proud parents of Joshua and Kara and one grandson Noah. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Randy Daniel with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |
Joe Giovengo (left, son of the late Tom Giovengo, Sr.) receives the award from Dr. Bill Welker (WV HOF '08) |
Tom Giovengo, Sr. -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
The late Tom Giovengo laid the groundwork for several Benwood, WV wrestling programs. In 1979, Tom, along with hall-of-famer, Emil Nardone, established the Benwood Bruiser Wrestling Club. At one point, the team consisted of over 70 youth wrestlers. In 1983, the duo started a wrestling program at Bishop Donahue High School. He continued to be an integral part of the Bruisers and Bishop Donahue for many years. He coached many wrestlers, who became State and OVAC placers. Tom Giovengo, as a sophomore, was a member of the first Union High School wrestling team coached by hall-of-famer, Larry Chambers in 1966. He was a three-year varsity letterman, and as a senior, Tom had a record of 21-3, placing third at the West Virginia State Tournament. During that era, there was only one class in wrestling when true state champions were crowned. After retiring from coaching, Giovengo continued to volunteer his time for many teams. He could be seen working the tables for teams such as the Bruisers, Bishop Donahue, Little Monarchs, and The Linsly School. Tom truly used wrestling to teach life lessons. He taught his wrestlers to respect the sport and others, and he led by example. He insisted his wrestlers compete hard, be tough, but never compromise their integrity for wins. He made sure his good wrestlers lost matches with humility and saw to it that less talented wrestlers got a win to build self-esteem. When the tight-knit wrestling community lost Tom Giovengo on March 20, 2018, they lost a friend and an ambassador for the mat sport. Tom and his devoted wife, Judy, had four sons who wrestled for the Bruisers and Bishop Donahue. All 7 of his grandsons wrestled, as well. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Tom Giovengo, Sr. with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |
Jeff Givens (right) receives the award from Mike Stump (WV HOF '15) |
Jeff Givens -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
Jeff Givens graduated from Williamstown High School in 1981. Proudly he was Hall of Fame Bob Pickens' first 4-year letterman who won the 1981 A-AA 145-pound State Championship. After graduation, Jeff enrolled at West Liberty State College where he earned a Varsity Letter from Hall of Fame Coach Vince Monseau. In 1987, he began his teaching career at his alma mater, Williamstown High. At that time, Jeff was head middle school and assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach for his mentor Bob Pickens until his retirement in 2002. In 2003, he took over the program and continued the success of the Williamstown program. Along with many tournament championships, Jeff's biggest enjoyment was helping the 40 plus wrestlers make the state finals. In 2003, Jeff was named Dix Manning A-AA Coach of the Year. Then in 2007, he accepted the Assistant Principal, AD position at Williamstown and was named the WVSSAC AD representative for the sport of Wrestling. This position he still holds to this day. Jeff resides in Williamstown with his wife Penny. They are the pd parents of Matt Cain and Stephanie (Todd) Frye and grandchildren Avery, Mackenzie, Sydney, Brynn, and Colin. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Jeff Givens with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |
Reid Bilitski, Dr. Joslyn Bilitski, Whitney Solvay, and Sandy McWilliams (grandson, daughters, and wife, respectively, of the late Ken McWilliams) receive the award from Dr. Bill Welker (WV HOF '08) |
Ken McWilliams -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
Ken McWilliams, a lifelong resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, has found his second home in West Virginia regarding his love for officiating the sport of wrestling. He began refereeing over 48 years ago, but he truly made a name for himself when he and his best friend, the late Hall of Famer Barry Gashel, entered the Mountain State to arbitrate our scholastic gladiators of the mats. During his tenure, Ken McWillams officiated over 25 Ron Mauck Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Wrestling Championships in Wheeling. Likewise, McWilliams spent 20 years as a referee at the Winner's Choice in Fairmont. He was also hired to oversee 20 West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) Regional Wrestling Tournaments across the state. But he takes the most pride in having been chosen by the WVSSAC to officiate 26 West Virginia State Championships in Huntington. For his very competent and consistent refereeing skills on the mats, Ken McWilliams was selected as the 2001 West Virginia Wrestling Official of the Year. It is noteworthy to mention that he was also well-respected in western Pennsylvania, having received the Tri-County League's prestigious "Excellence in Officiating Award" in 2016. A 1972 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School, Ken McWilliams spent 35 years as a United States Postal Service clerk before retiring. The last 10 years McWilliams has served as a paraprofessional in the Canonsburg School District, working with special needs children. Ken McWilliams has been married to his devoted wife, Sandy, for 46 years. They have two beautiful daughters, Dr. Joslyn Bilitski, and Mrs. Whitney Solvay. Ken and Sandy have one grandson, Reid Bilitski, who they adore and love, spending much time enjoying his company. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Ken McWilliams with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |
Brian Miluk (right) receives the award from Jerry "Woody" Burns (WV HOF '19) |
Brian Miluk -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
Brian Miluk graduated from Padua Franciscan High School in Parma, Ohio. He was a State Freestyle Wrestling Champion and went on to Ashland College to wrestle for National Hall of Fame Coach Chris Ford. While at Ashland College, Miluk was a 4-year Varsity Wrestler and wrestled in three NCAA National tournaments. He graduated and received a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health. After graduating in 1978, Miluk immediately began coaching at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio under National Hall of Fame Coaching legend Howard Ferguson. From 1978-1987, The Eagles won 10 State Wrestling Championships and 6 National Championships. While coaching and living with Ferguson, Miluk did research, interviews and gathered valuable information as the Contribution Editor of the Book "The Edge". Howard Ferguson died in 1989 and Coach Miluk gave the Eulogy. Miluk was inducted into the St. Edward High School Hall of Fame with the first National Championship team. In 1988, after coaching at St. Edward High School, Miluk went back to his Alma Mater, Padua Franciscan High School, and soon put Padua on the map. His success and involvement with Padua Franciscan High School and the Wrestling community brought him many awards and accolades. Miluk was inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame class for Padua Franciscan High School. The Miluk family moved to Greenbrier County, West Virginia and he began teaching at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School where he was named Greenbrier County Middle School Teacher of the Year. He was also the Athletic Director/Attendance Dean at the High School. As the Wrestling Coach, Miluk was named Conference Coach of the Year, W.V. Coaches Association Coach of the Year and W.V.S.S.A.C/N.F.H.S. Coach of the Year. However, he is most proud of the community involvement in building one of the greatest Wrestling facilities on the east coast. "I was very Lucky and Blessed to be surrounded by Great people and hard-working student-athletes." Miluk and his wife, Dr. Gail Swarm live in Greenbrier County. They have three beautiful children, Brianna, Marissa and Holly The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Brian Miluk with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |
Dean Moore (right) receives the award from Paul Jackson (WV HOF '15) |
Dean Moore -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
Dean Moore was a 1971 graduate of Parkersburg South High School. Since then, he has dedicated over 40 years of his life to the sport of wrestling. His great depth of knowledge comes from the 10 years of officiating, which is how his passion ignited. During his time as a referee while working his way to a Class 1 Official status, he also served as the Board President of the Wood County Recreational Wrestling League lasting for 4 years and served as a head coach. Then he spent the next 7 years as assistant coach with the Parkersburg Cougars. Moving on to the Junior High arena, he was assistant coach 5 years at Franklin and the 4 years at Edison Jr. High. While seeing a need in the Parkersburg area, Dean worked hard to help raise funds to grow a competitive club, the Junior Patriot Club and spent the next 9 years there. For the following 10 years, he moved up to Parkersburg South High School. The team and individual successes of the wrestlers he worked with are too vast to mention. Some of his proudest accomplishments are the numerous kids that went on to wrestle in college or Olympic junior world teams, the multiple team and individual state champions and the numerous county and national individual and team titles. He is a beloved coach, mentor and teacher to many fine young men and women. Dean has always been very thankful for each moment he has gotten to spend and every memory he has gotten to make. Having retired from the sport of wrestling in 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer, he proudly boasts that he is now two years cancer free. During this time, he thinks about the many wrestlers and coaches that called, visited and wrote letters and he truly appreciates the extended family has has been able to build. Dean and his wife Debbie reside in Elizabeth and have three children Stacy, Aaron, and Heather. They also enjoy three grandchildren and one of which he had the honor of coaching. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Dean Moore with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |
Jack Regis, Sr. (right) receives the award from George Keeney (WV HOF '14) |
Jack Regis, Sr. -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
Jack Regis started his officiating career at a Martins Ferry High School open tournament. Larry Deaton and Steve Kish were working short because of a no-show official. They told him to get on a mat and help. So that's when the fire started to become an official. From there he went on to get his officials license and has officiated 15 WV Regionals and 15 State Tournaments as well as Ohio Sectionals, Districts and a State Tournament. He has also worked the tables for the Big Ten Championships. Throughout the years, jack has worked 25 OVAC Wrestling Tournaments, where he was the Official of the Year in 2006 and 2012. He was also recognized as WV Official of the Year in 1997. Working with the Ohio Valley Wrestling Association for 25 years, he has served as Secretary/Treasurer. He became an instructor since in started and has added 30 officials. jack is the only assigner in the Eastern District. Retiring from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel after 37 years, Jack took the job as Manager of Buildings and Grounds for Belmont County. Being involved in community, he has held several offices in his hometown of Martins Ferry. Jack also has been a member of the Fire Dept. and EMS for over 50 years. Jack has been married to his wife Billie for 36 years. Between them they have four children; Jack Regis, Jr. (Melissa), Tom Regis (Cindy), Dr. Robert Dalton (Rhonda) and Holly Dalton (Bobbie Sue). They are the proud grandparents of 12 and a great granddaughter is coming soon. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Jack Regis, Sr. with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |
Mike Stalnaker (right) receives the award from George Keeney (WV HOF '14) |
Mike Stalnaker -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
Mike graduated from Fairmont State College with an AB degree in Education and West Virginia University with a master's degree in Education Administration. After 37 years as a teacher and administrator for the Marion County Board of Education, Mike retired. From an early age, Mike has had a passion for wrestling. Mike wrestled for his alma mater, Fairmont Senior High School, beginning in 1961 and continued wrestling at Fairmont State College. After graduation, Mike began his long career as an interscholastic wrestling official. Mike, along with other area officials, formed the Central WV Wrestling Officials Association in 1975. He has served this board as its secretary treasurer for the past 45 years. As an active wrestling official, Mike has also instructed classes for the purpose of training perspective officials since 1989. Perhaps one of Mike's proudest accomplishments was starting the wrestling program at Miller Junior High School (currently West Fairmont Middle) in 1972 and is still active today. Some of the highlights of Mike's career include being selected to officiate the WV state wrestling tournament for the past 43 years, being chosen Official of the Year in 1991 and 2019, being chosen as the NFHS Officials Association Section Two Distinguished Active Official in 2019, serving as the substitute state rules interpreter for 2018-2019 season, and being selected to officiate the Virginia Beach National Duals Tournament in 2019. Mike also has refereed in most all the top tournaments in the state in the past 50 years. At the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season, Mike retired from officiating 50 years. He plans to continue working with the WVSSAC and the Central WV Officials board as an assigner and new official's trainer. Mike resides in Fairmont, West Virginia with his wife Pam of 42 years. They are the proud parents of sons Rex and Max and grandparents of their four grandchildren Matthew, Dalton, Liam, and Amilie. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Mike Stalnaker with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |
Will Westbrook (left, brother of the late Tyler Westbrook) receives the award from Ray Marling (WV HOF '18) |
Green Beret Sgt. First Class Tyler Milam Westbrook -- "Outstanding West Virginian"
Tyler Westbrook graduated from Williamstown High School in 2002. He started his wrestling career at the age of 4 and continued through his senior year. In his high school years he was coached by West Virginia Wrestling Hall of Fame Coaches Bob Pickens and Jeff Givens. He placed 3rd in state his Sophomore year, was State Runner-up his Junior year, and was State Champion his senior year at 152 lbs. His overall record was 116-27. Tyler graduated high school with honors, placing 4th in his class and was a Promise Scholarship recipient. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management from WVU in 2006, graduating Magna Cum Laude. After graduation, Tyler enlisted as a 13B Cannon Crewmember in the U.S. Army in 2007. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Bragg, NC. Shortly after that he volunteered for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection. He graduated from the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant course as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. His first assignment as a Green Beret was as a weapons sergeant with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colorado where he served on a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha (ODA). Tyler exceled as a sniper with ODA 0231 and as an assaulter with ODA 0236. His military education includes the Special Forces Sniper School, Special Operations Command Jump Master Course, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance, Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course, Combat Life Saver Course, Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Airborne School, and the Special Forces Qualification Course. His awards and decorations include on Meritorious Service Medal, Four Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Parachutist Badge, Marksmanship Qualification Badge Expert with Carbine, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. On August 28, 2015 Tyler Milam Westbrook completed active duty suicide taking his own life, leaving behind his wife Heather Tyler Westbrook and his son Milam Grant Westbrook. His legacy lives on and still continues to have an impact today. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Tyler Westbrook with an "Outstanding West Virginian" award, class of 2021. |
Wayne Yonkelowitz (right) receives the award from Diana Archer (WV HOF '07) |
Wayne Yonkelowitz -- "Lifetime Service to Wrestling"
Wayne Yonkelowitz graduated from Easton Area High School (PA). In high school he played football and soccer, ran track and wrestled. He graduated from Boomsburg University with a bachelor's degree in science and later attained a master's degree from Marshall University. He began teaching at Fayetteville Middle School. During his teaching career he has won many awards. To list a few, he has been named Fayette County Teacher of the Year, received the Presidential Award for Excellence and in 1999 won the prestigious Milken Award. In 1985, he was instrumental in starting a wrestling program at Fayetteville High School and Middle School. he has not only coached wrestling but has served as an assistant track coach and football coach. Wayne has also been a registered track official for 18 years. As a wrestling coach he has coached many state place winners and has directed several tournaments throughout the years. Wayne retired as a teacher and coach in 2019 but still volunteers in the school system whenever needed. Wayne and his wife Pamela reside in Fayetteville. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Wayne Yonkelowitz with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2021. |