Menu
Log in

Wisconsin Wrestling Association

Log in

George Martin Hall of Fame

50th Anniversary Celebration — Friday, November 6, 2026 — Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

George Martin

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.

Date

Friday, November 6, 2026

Venue

Kalahari Resort — Wisconsin Dells, WI

Emcee

Russ Hellickson

Sponsorship Deadline

September 10, 2026

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.

Watch: George Martin Hall of Fame

Video not loading? Watch on YouTube →

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 event production sponsorships — 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 Legacy Pages

Not sure what to say or how to design your tribute page? Browse the examples below for inspiration. These are sample legacy pages from other Hall of Fame Commemorative Souvenir Programs — use them as a starting point for your own tribute.

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.

Full Page — $400

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]

Half Page — $250

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]

Quarter Page — $175

Honoring

[Name]


“A champion, mentor, and role model for all. Your legacy continues to inspire champions on and off the mat.”

— [Your Name / Business]

View Fill-in-the-Blank Templates

Additional Sponsorship Opportunities

Click any category to explore specific sponsorship opportunities and pricing.

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

Production & Media

$1,000 – $3,000 — Video and photography

Photography and Video

Video Recording of 50th Celebration with Video Interviews of Special Guests

Full video recording of the 50th Anniversary Celebration including video interviews with special guests. (1 available)

$3,000

Photography of the Entire Event

Professional photography coverage of the full event — speakers, guests, ceremony, and more. Fully edited photos. (1 available)

$1,000

Slideshow Package

Compilation slideshow running throughout the event featuring photos from Wisconsin wrestling history — George Martin, the Hall of Fame, and high school, college, and international competition. (1 available)

$1,800

Event Experience

$25 – $800 — Tables, décor, luncheon, and centerpieces

Hall of Fame Member Honors Luncheon

Celebrate Hall of Fame members with a special honors luncheon at Kalahari or Chula Vista. Sponsor covers the host vendor fee. (1 available)

$800

Podium Flower Display on Stage

Sponsor the floral display at the event podium and presentation stage. (1 available)

$600

Banquet Table Centerpieces

Sponsor a set of 20 banquet table centerpieces. (10 available)

$500

Recognition & Ceremony

$100 – $1,000 — Plaques, name badges, table tents, correspondence & more

Ceremony Items

George Martin Hall of Fame 2026 Induction Plaques

Sponsor an induction plaque presented to a Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductee. (6 available)

$110 each

Boutonnières & Corsages — 2026 Inductees & Guests

Sponsor boutonnières and corsages for all 2026 inductees and their guests. (1 available)

$400

Boutonnières & Corsages — Emcee & Special Guests

Sponsor boutonnières and corsages for the emcee and other special guests of the evening. (1 available)

$400

Banquet Name Badges — "George Martin Hall of Fame" and Graphic

Sponsor printed name badges with graphic for approximately 1,000 guests. (1 available)

$1,000

Printed Coaching Award Recipient Table Tents

Sponsor printed table tents recognizing Coaching Award Recipients at the Celebration Dinner. (1 available)

$400

"They Call it Wrestling" Books — Silent Auction

Books available for the silent auction, signed by Distinguished Members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in attendance. (2 available)

$100 each

Correspondence

Celebration Invitation Letters

Sponsor the printing, mailing, and postage for invitation letters sent to George Martin Hall of Fame members. (1 available)

$350

Celebration Reminder Postcards

Sponsor the printing, mailing, and postage for reminder postcards sent to George Martin Hall of Fame members. (1 available)

$220

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

PDF is strongly preferred for camera-ready artwork. High-resolution image files (JPG, PNG, TIFF) are also accepted. 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.

Questions?

Tom McGarvie — George Martin Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Committee

📞 920-988-3253

✉️ georgemartinhalloffame@gmail.com

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software