2026 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Downstate New York chapter induction ceremony

Please Join us for one of the most inspiring days of the year as we honor the individuals whose dedication, leadership, and lifelong commitment have strengthened the sport of wrestling and positively impacted generations of athletes.
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Downstate New York Chapter proudly invites you to celebrate the Class of 2026 at our Annual Awards Banquet and Induction Ceremony.
This year's distinguished honorees include:
Outstanding American Award
Elliott Tepper
Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award
• Michael A. Ondich
• John Laurenzi
• Bennett "Ben" Resnick
• Gary Pesko
• Carol Roseto
• David Smith
• William "Billy" Patton
These remarkable individuals have dedicated countless hours to mentoring young people, building championship programs, supporting their communities, and preserving the values that make wrestling one of the world's greatest sports. Their stories deserve to be celebrated, and we hope you'll be part of this special occasion.
Event Details
Sunday, September 20, 2026
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Melville Marriott
1350 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, NY 11747 (just north of the Long Island Expressway).
The afternoon will feature a reception, banquet, and induction ceremony as family, friends, former athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters come together to recognize excellence and celebrate the enduring legacy of wrestling in Downstate New York.
Each inductee will also receive permanent recognition at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma, ensuring their contributions to our sport will be remembered for generations to come.
Reserve Your Seat Today
Tickets are $110 per person.
To attend the 4 hour luncheon event, you MUST purchase a ticket online at: https://nwhofdny.ticketspice.com/2026dny. The deadline to purchase tickets is Saturday, September 5, 2026. When doing this, if you are attending for a specific inductee, please make sure you select which inductee you are attending for, so your seating can be arranged in their section at the event.
NO tickets will be available after the deadline - including purchasing onsite the day of the event.
Whether you're reconnecting with old teammates, honoring a mentor, or supporting the future of wrestling, your presence helps make this celebration truly meaningful.
Support Our Mission
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Downstate New York Chapter is committed to preserving wrestling's rich history while recognizing the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the sport. Your attendance and support help us continue that mission.
One of the best ways to recognize an inductee, congratulate a friend, promote your business, or support the Hall of Fame is by purchasing a business or personal message advertisement in our commemorative banquet program.
Every advertisement directly supports the chapter's efforts to honor wrestling's greatest ambassadors and preserve their legacy for future generations.
Please see the attached Program Advertisement Flyer for details / Instructions and purchase your advertisement online here using the link below:
https://nwhofdny.ticketspice.com/event-program-advertisements
The deadline to purchase event program ads and directory listings is Friday 8/14
Thank you for supporting the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Downstate New York Chapter. We look forward to celebrating this outstanding Class of 2026 with you on Sunday, September 20.
Together, let's honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of wrestling.
For additional information, please contact:
Brian DeGaetano
National Wrestling Hall of Fame – Downstate New York Chapter
[email protected]