SMWC Hosts Hall-of-Fame Induction's
The three newest members of the Southern Maryland Wrestling Club
Hall-of-Fame were inducted at ceremonies April 29th at Frederick Douglass
High School. SMWC's Hall-of-Fame was established in 1989 to honor
outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to
wrestling in Southern Maryland. Selection criteria includes competitive
successes, direct coaching contributions, or volunteer work. In announcing
the inductees, SMWC Head Coach Bruce Gabrielson noted that all three have
been both visible and active not only with SMWC, but with wrestling
programs in the region for several years.
Willie Harris, this years Washington Post All-Met Wrestler of the Year, is
a senior at DeMatha HS. He finished his high school career as a three time
Maryland Private School State Champion , a National Prep School Champion,
and a National High School All-American. Coach Gabrielson was also quick
to point out that Willie was the third SMWC wrestler in a row selected for
the top All-Met award.
Troy Sunderland, the US Naval Academy Assistant Wrestling Coach and a
former Penn State NCAA All-American, has presented numerous volunteer
junior league and club clinics in Southern Maryland the past few years.
Troy, still a top competitor, finished 7th in the US Freestyle
Championships last week in Florida.
The third inductee is Rick Jones, a former Iowa Hawkeye wrestler, and an
active junior league coach. Rick, who lives in Virginia but drives to
Maryland two to three times each week for practice, is the Head Coach of
the SMWC All-Stars, the most successful junior league team in this region.
The All-Stars, a Capital Area Wrestling League team, placed 8 wrestlers at
the Eastern National Championships in Pennsylvania, and 5 wrestlers,
including one champion at the US AAU Folkstyle Nationals for kids age
groups last month in Pontiac, Michigan.
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