MaxPreps.com Staff Report
ALTOONA, Pa. --- Tom Elling, a Territory Manager in Ohio and Pennsylvania for MaxPreps, was honored by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Saturday night for his contributions to the sport over the past 35 years.
Elling received the "Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award," which is designed to recognize those who assist in the development and citizenship of young people participating in the sport of wrestling.
As a coach, official, and media figure, Elling has been a fixture on the Pennsylvania wrestling scene since 1972, when he signed on as head coach at Lock Haven High School. A year later, the Lock Haven State College graduate led his team to an undefeated record, which still stands as the school's only unblemished season.
In addition to his 10-year run as an official, Elling has helped advance the sport through his involvement with a number of organizations and media projects. He has been involved with the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association since 1978, and currently serves on its Executive Board as the operator of Pennsylvania Sports Beat, the state's wrestling web site.
Elling is also the Pennsylvania editor for the magazine Wrestling USA, a position he has held since 1974.
The late Henry "Red" Campbell (coach), John Huckaby (journalist), Richard Rhoades (coach), Bruce Haselrig, Sr. (official), Mike Smith (coach/contributor), and the late Hubert "Hub" Jack - who was Elling's coach at Lock Haven State College - were also recognized at the Saturday night ceremony in Altoona.