Wrestling Hall of Fame to Honor Five Local Figures
The Nevada Chapter will recognize the inductees during a ceremony at the J Resort on November 7, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Wrestling
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Five figures who helped shape high school wrestling across Nevada will be honored at a November 7, 2026, induction ceremony at the J Resort. The event celebrates the coaches, officials, and administrators whose work fostered the growth of a sport now involving thousands of local student-athletes.
Why it matters
The inductees were instrumental in evolving Nevada wrestling from its 1969 origins into a robust system of six NIAA divisions. This ceremony recognizes the institutional history that created today's local tournament landscape and student wrestling participation.
The Reno Tournament of Champions has generated over $150,000 in contributions for local schools and programs. The state now supports 3,000 high school wrestlers and more than 4,000 youth and middle school competitors, with specific scheduling details for the induction gala still to be released.
The players
Jerry Hughes
The former NIAA Director who served for 18 years and developed the state's official wrestling policy manual.
Les Rasmussen
A veteran wrestling official who worked from 1977 to 2025 and officiated more than 45 state championships.
Jack Dolan
A co-founder of the Reno Tournament of Champions who helped grow the event into a major regional showcase.
John Brooks
A career coach recognized for his 352-28 dual record within Nevada wrestling.
Eric Beye
An inductee honored for his contributions to the development of the sport across the state.
The details
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Nevada Chapter will honor Eric Beye, John Brooks, Les Rasmussen, Jerry Hughes, and Jack Dolan for their lifelong service to the sport. The class includes Jerry Hughes, who spent 18 years as NIAA Director and authored the state’s wrestling policy manual, and Les Rasmussen, an official from 1977 to 2025 who worked over 45 state championships. The event also highlights the growth of the Reno Tournament of Champions, which co-founder Jack Dolan helped expand to host over 100 high school and 20 college teams.
Timeline
1969: Nevada high school wrestling began.
1977: Les Rasmussen began his career as an official.
1995: Jack Dolan co-founded the Reno Tournament of Champions.
Nov. 7, 2026: Hall of Fame induction celebration occurs at the J Resort.
The Truckee Meadows View
The induction ceremony reflects the long-term institutional growth of the Reno Tournament of Champions, which has expanded to host over 100 high school and 20 college teams. This event follows the tournament's evolution from a local meet into a flagship program that anchors the region's wrestling culture.
Fans of the sport can look forward to an expanded 2026 calendar, as the Reno Tournament of Champions plans to introduce both an MMA fight and a dedicated women's wrestling event weekend. These additions aim to increase local participation beyond the current base of 3,000 high schoolers.
The takeaway
The induction of these five leaders marks a milestone for the sport's deep roots in the Truckee Meadows. Keep an eye on upcoming 2026 announcements for the Reno Tournament of Champions to see how the new MMA and women's wrestling events will fit into the schedule.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's athletic history in the Wrestling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Reno Gazette Journal.
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