William Berry to receive Medal of Courage from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

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(National Wrestling Hall of Fame)
02/18/2001


William Berry has been selected to receive the Medal of Courage from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The Medal of Courage is presented annually to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome what appear to be insurmountable challenges, which may be physical, mental or other handicaps that make their achievements all the more uplifting.    Once a two-sport athlete, William Berry was injured in a tragic swimming pool accident in 1982, leaving him a quadriplegic and only limited use of his arms. As a wrestler, Berry was a two-time state champion and twice earned all-conference honors as a member of the Washington State University squad.     On the gridiron, he was also an all-state selection and earned all-conference plaudits while playing on WSU's offensive and defensive lines.    Upon graduating from Washington State in 1962, Berry joined the United States Air Force, where he served until 1970. During this time, Berry continued competing on the mat, placing second at the 1963 CISM championships. In 1968, he advanced to the final wrestle-offs for a berth on the U.S. Greco-Roman Olympic squad.    Berry is just as successful outside the athletic arena as he was in it. In 1968 he received his Masters degree in business administration and is a successful certified public accountant and real estate broker.    Despite the physical challenges he currently faces, Berry remains a supporter of Man's Oldest Sport. Co-chairing a West Coast Wrestling Reunion are among his recent contributions to the sport.