Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame: Wrestling for Life
Awards by Hammond’s customers span a wide scope; most either recognizing accomplishments of a competitive nature, some of a more individual or personal meaning and some unique unto themselves. Many have stories waiting to be told.
The Minnesota Wrestlers Hall of Fame (MWHOF) is one such client. Carol Castle is the Founder and Director of the organization. It was established in 2015 in the Robbinsdale History Museum. Currently there is no “brick and mortar” location; it’s a mobile display along with a history talk they will present to groups when asked. The MWHOF’s core mission is to educate, encourage and motivate our communities to embrace the rich history of amateur and professional wrestling in Minnesota.
In the MWHOF inaugural event in August of 2015, Larry “the Axe” Hennig and Verne Gagne where both initial inductees into the Hall. The Governor of MN at the time issued two proclamations: Minnesota Wrestling History Month and Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame Week. The qualifications for admittance into the MWHOF are simply to be important to Minnesota Wrestling; Amateur or Professional.
Since the initial inaugural event nearly fifty wrestlers have been inducted, including: The Crusher, The Road Warriors with Paul Ellering, Alan Rice – Olympic Wrestler, John Grygelko, Gene Okerlund and Stan Kowolski. Recognized on the “Wall of Champions” are, amongst others; Larry Zbysko, Ken Patera, Diamond Dallas Page and Eric Bishoff.
Within the MWHOF an important new program has been created: Wrestling 4 Life. This program brings awareness to the double, triple and even much higher suicide rates amongst wrestlers, law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, corrections agents and veterans.
This mission is personal for Carol. Her son, Maury, was a fire fighter who committed suicide in 2017. Carol’s experience from 27 years working at the Department of Corrections, 10 years as a psych technician, and her Master’s degree in criminal justice makes her a perfect leader for this program.
The program is funded through the sponsorship of “Life Coins”; a heavy silver-dollar sized coin containing contact information. Through networking, online promotion and personal presentations, the hope is to put a coin to be carried as a personal reminder that help is a phone-call away in the pocket of everyone. The program is nation-wide and in Canada. The coins are a life-line. The calls are anonymous and encrypted; if you hang up they cannot call you back. There will never be repercussions to your insurance or employment. The phones are answered by trained, qualified, first responders. You may ask to talk with someone that works in your position and capacity. The call cannot be subpoenaed. Referrals and services for all Veterans, First Responders and their families are free of charge.
Many entire precincts have been completely sponsored with the hope the coins will be paid-forward. The ultimate mission is to save lives. Carol travels extensively to support the cause.
Awards by Hammond supports the MWHOF through creation of recognition plaques and annual plaques.
Life Coins are available at www.wrestling4life.org. If you have any questions about the program, Carol would love to hear from you. You can email her at carolcastle32@gmail.com.
Make the Call
