 | Wisconsin Wrestling Association |
George Martin Hall of Fame
50th Anniversary Celebration — Friday, November 6, 2026 — Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
50 Years of Excellence — 1976 to 2026
Be Part of a Half Century of Wisconsin Wrestling History
The George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame has honored the best coaches, athletes, and contributors Wisconsin wrestling has to offer. This November, we celebrate 50 years of that legacy — and we invite you to stand with us. Your sponsorship places your name alongside the greats of the sport and helps bring this milestone celebration to life.
An Evening to Remember
Fifty years ago, the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame was established to recognize those who have made an extraordinary impact on Wisconsin wrestling. Over five decades, it has grown into one of the most prestigious honors in the state's athletic community — a testament to the coaches, competitors, and contributors who have dedicated themselves to the sport.
This year's celebration will honor George Martin, welcome the Class of 2026 inductees, and recognize all current Hall of Fame members. The evening will also pay special tribute to the remarkable career of Coach Duane Kleven, who has invited many of his former wrestlers to join the celebration. Featured Speaker Steve Martin, son of George Martin and a UW wrestling alumnus, will be recognized as a special guest. The evening's emcee will be Russ Hellickson, legendary coach, and wrestler under George Martin.
A special Commemorative Souvenir Program will be produced for the event. Sponsoring a tribute page is your opportunity to be part of that permanent record — honoring a Hall of Fame member, a coach, a team, or the sport of wrestling in Wisconsin.
Meet the Class of 2026
These seven individuals will be inducted into the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.
Scott Benitz
Wisconsin Rapids
Paul Brandl
Plymouth
Chris Hansen
Hudson
Eric Lehrke
Rothschild / DC Everest
Joe Miller
Brillion
Joe Reasbeck
Superior
Ken Reynolds
Elkhorn
Celebrate the Class of 2026 in person at the 50th Anniversary banquet.
Buy Banquet Tickets →Sponsorship Opportunities
There are many meaningful ways to support the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame. Browse the options below — from Commemorative Souvenir Program tribute pages to full sponsor packages — and select what resonates with you. All contributions are recognized on a special page in the Commemorative Souvenir Program.
Commemorative Souvenir Program — Tribute Page Sponsorships
Sponsor a full-color tribute page in the Commemorative Souvenir Program — honoring a Hall of Fame member, a coach, a team, or Wisconsin wrestling broadly. Your message is preserved in print and shared with everyone in attendance.
Full Page
$400
8½" × 11" — ½" bleed on all sides
The most impactful option. Ideal for a large photo or multi-image layout, an extended tribute message, or recognition of multiple supporters. Supply camera-ready artwork or provide text and photos and we will design it for you.
Half Page
$250
8½" × 5½" — ½" bleed on all sides
A strong presence in the Commemorative Souvenir Program. May include a photo or graphic alongside your message. Will be placed on a page with other tribute pages or banquet-related material. Supply camera-ready artwork or provide text and we will design it for you.
Quarter Page
$175
4¼" × 5½" — ½" bleed on all sides
A meaningful show of support. May include a graphic; photo space is limited. Will be placed on a page with other tribute pages or banquet-related material. Supply camera-ready artwork or provide congratulatory text and we will design it for you.
The Wisconsin Wrestling Association is a 501(c)(3) organization. Sponsorships are tax deductible. Email receipts available upon request.
Example Tribute Pages
Not sure what to say or how to design your tribute page? Browse the examples below for inspiration — including full, half, and quarter page samples created for the 50th Anniversary Souvenir Program. Use any of them as a starting point for your own tribute.
Open examples in Google Drive →
No Artwork? Text-Only Tribute Pages Are a Great Option
You don't need photos or graphics to sponsor a tribute page. A heartfelt message is just as meaningful — our team will format it beautifully for the program. Below are examples of what text-only tribute pages look like, followed by fill-in-the-blank templates you can use as a starting point.
In Honor of
[Coach / Inductee Name]
“You were more than a coach — you were a mentor, a teacher, and a friend. The values you instilled continue to guide those fortunate enough to have learned from you. Your commitment to wrestling excellence helped shape a program, a community, and generations of athletes.
Congratulations on your well-deserved place in the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame.”
— Proudly honored by
[Your Name / School / Organization]
Congratulations
[Inductee Name]
“A great coach teaches more than technique — he teaches character, discipline, and perseverance. Your influence continues to inspire generations of wrestlers. Thank you for your lasting contribution to our sport.”
— [Your Name]
Honoring
[Name]
“A champion, mentor, and role model for all. Your legacy continues to inspire champions on and off the mat.”
— [Your Name / Business]
Additional Sponsorship Opportunities
Click any category to explore specific sponsorship opportunities and pricing.
Sponsor Packages
Levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Legacy — $400 to $10,000
We appreciate your interest in supporting the George Martin Hall of Fame 50th Year Anniversary Banquet. Our goal is to host an exceptional evening and break even — you can help! We have created a list of items necessary to produce the banquet, and in turn a set of benefits to give you value in return.
Platinum Sponsor — Presenting
The presenting sponsor will support half the items for production of the banquet.
- Designated as Presenting Sponsor anytime the event is promoted — including website, email blasts, Facebook and TikTok.
- “George Martin Hall of Fame — 50th Anniversary — Presented by: ______________”
- Logo displayed on the Hall of Fame video loop that runs on the large video screens during the reception and dinner.
- Mention during the program.
- Sponsor Legacy — full page.
- Two vendor spaces (10 × 20).
- Promote the expenses that your sponsorship covers.
- Back page ad in program.
- Sponsor the Buffet.
- One complimentary table — 8 seats.
$10,000
Gold Sponsor
- Logo displayed on the Hall of Fame video loop that runs on the large video screens during the reception, dinner and after reception.
- Mention during the program.
- Sponsor free beer.
- Two vendor spaces (10 × 20).
- Inside back page ad in program.
- One complimentary table — 8 seats.
- Full page Legacy ad placed (on your behalf) for someone who is a past inductee to the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame.
$5,000
Silver Sponsor
- Logo displayed on the Hall of Fame video loop that runs on the large video screens during the reception and dinner.
- Mention during the program.
- Vendor space.
- Full page Legacy ad placed (on your behalf) for someone who is a past inductee to the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame.
$2,500
Bronze Sponsorship
- Logo displayed on the Hall of Fame video loop that runs on the large video screens during the reception and dinner.
- Full page Legacy ad placed (on your behalf) for someone who is a past inductee to the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame.
$1,000
Legacy Sponsor
- Full page Legacy ad placed in program (on your behalf) for someone who is a past inductee to the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame.
$400
To submit a sponsorship or for more information, contact Tom McGarvie, WWA Hall of Fame Chairman — 920-988-3253 | GeorgeMartinHallofFame@gmail.com
Souvenir Program Recognition Pages
$400 per page — Honor specific individuals or groups in the Commemorative Souvenir Program
National Wrestling Hall of Fame Distinguished Member Page
Sponsor a dedicated recognition page for one of the ten Distinguished Members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame being honored at this event. Ten pages available — one per member:
- George Martin
- Ben Peterson
- John Peterson
- Russ Hellickson
- Barry Davis
- Dennis Hall
- Andy Rein
- Ben Askren
- Lee Kemp
- Rich Bender
$400/page
George Martin Hall of Fame Members — Commemorative Souvenir Program Page
A recognition page listing all George Martin Hall of Fame members, by year of induction. (1 available)
$400
Lifetime Service — Wisconsin Chapter — National Wrestling Hall of Fame
A recognition page listing all Lifetime Service honorees of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, by year of induction. (1 available)
$400
Make a General Donation
Any amount — Every contribution supports the Hall of Fame celebration
Cash Donation — Any Amount
Not ready to commit to a specific sponsorship? A general donation of any amount is warmly welcomed and goes directly toward making the 50th Anniversary Celebration a success. All donors are recognized on a special page in the Commemorative Souvenir Program by name, business, or as anonymous — your choice.
Your choice
Submitting Your Artwork
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to upload your artwork. Here is what to know before you submit:
Preferred File Format
Please submit artwork as a JPEG or PNG file. High-resolution files (300 dpi or higher) are required for the best print quality. You may upload up to three files through the artwork submission link in your confirmation email.
Don't Have Artwork Ready?
No problem — simply provide congratulatory text and/or a photo and your tribute page will be designed for you at no additional charge. Photos of most Hall of Fame members are available upon request.
Business Sponsorships
Business and organizational sponsorships are welcome and may include a corporate or club logo. Submissions must be congratulatory in nature rather than strictly promotional.
Recognition in the Souvenir Program
All sponsors will be recognized on a special page in the Commemorative Souvenir Program by personal name, business name, or as anonymous — your choice.
Ready to Be Part of History?
Use the appropriate portal below based on your sponsorship choice. Both portals also accept general donations.
Prefer to pay by check? Select your sponsorship level or donation through the appropriate portal and choose the offline payment option at checkout. Make checks payable to Wisconsin Wrestling Association (memo: 50th Anniversary) and mail to Jacob Farness, Treasurer — PO Box 190, Johnson Creek, WI 53038. Send sponsorship graphic(s) etc. via email or hard copy using trusted carrier (US Postal Service, UPS etc.)
Deadline to guarantee placement in the Commemorative Souvenir Program: September 10, 2026
Please submit early — the committee is working hard to produce an outstanding Commemorative Souvenir Program and space is limited.
Payment must be received before your tribute page will be added to the Commemorative Souvenir Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Souvenir Program tribute campaign?
A statewide effort to honor all 219 Hall of Fame members with a sponsored tribute space in the 50th Anniversary Souvenir Program.
Who should sponsor a tribute?
Wrestling clubs, coaches, alumni groups, or community supporters connected to the Hall of Fame member’s hometown or wrestling program.
What does a tribute include?
- A photo
- A short message
- Recognition in the printed program
How do we submit a tribute?
Visit the tribute webpage, upload a photo, add text, and submit payment online or by check.
How much does a tribute cost?
The webpage lists all pricing options.
Can multiple people contribute to one tribute?
Yes. A club, alumni group, or multiple families can collaborate.
What is the deadline?
September 10, 2026.
Who do we contact with questions?
Your district representative or the Hall of Fame committee — see the contact information below.
What if our Hall of Fame member has passed away?
Tributes are still encouraged. Communities often submit photos and messages celebrating their legacy.
Can we sponsor more than one tribute?
Absolutely.
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t answered above, reach out to our committee and we’ll be glad to help.
Tom McGarvie — George Martin Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Committee
