Distinguished Members Of The National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Dave Schultz is a Distinguished Member in the class of 1997. Dave Schultz is a true gladiator wining world Olympic championships in 1983 and 1984. Also he adds the accolades of three world silver medals and two bronze medals. On his golden paved highway to further success of an eighth world- class medal Dave Schultz was murdered in January of 1996. A humble wrestler Dave Schultz never thought of himself as one of the greatest athletes in wrestling but he would often quote that “he cheated” early on in life because he learned how to wrestle. This perseverance and mental endurance that Dave Schultz held catapulted him to achieve a level of success dreamed of by wrestlers grade school on up. A true international ambassador for peace and friendship Dave Schultz legacy will be remembered on and off the mat.
Among other greats is Pat Milkovich a distinguished member of the class of 2000. As a walk-on at Michigan state in 1971 Pat Milkovich exemplified outstanding achievements in both athletics and academics. One of only nine wrestlers in NCAA history first or second in four championships Pat Milkovich won his first title in 1972 becoming the youngest championship wrestler in NCAA history. Pat added additional championships in 1974. In 1978 he was honored to be selected as a part of the U.S.A wrestling team competing in Russia.
In addition to Dave and Pat Ben Peterson is also a distinguished member in the National wrestling hall of fame. Ben Peterson entered the hall of fame ranks in 1986. He won nearly a 100 collegiate matches and was a three-time All-American. Ben Petersons NCAA championships were obtained in 1971 and 1972. Peterson had a “Rudy” type mind set, relentless on and off the mat. He won a bronze medal in 1973 and gold in the 1975 Pan Am Games
