The unique connection between wrestling and family was the theme of a special presentation at this year’s NCAA Division I wrestling tournament in Philadelphia. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame presented its Family Ties exhibit for the first time on Thursday, March 17 during NCAA Fan Fest.

Eleven prominent wrestling families were recognized during a stage presentation at Lincoln Financial Field in front of hundreds of wrestling fans. Five families participated in a panel discussion about family and its connection to wrestling.

“I want to thank those very special family members who participated in the Family Ties Fan Fest program,” said Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “They have made great contributions to the sport of wrestling. Everyone in attendance appreciated them for sharing the many positive values that wrestling gives to families.”

Included in the panel discussion were Peter Likins, Andy and Brett Matter, Hugh and Ann Peery, and Dan Gable. Gable, coach of 15 NCAA team titles during his 21-year tenure at the University of Iowa, has coached the most brothers to NCAA wrestling titles. 

“This presentation was just the start of what we can put together for the fans and for our sport,” said Dan Gable. “This year’s participating families were important people in wrestling history. There are enough wrestling families that there could be a family ties presentation the NCAA tournament every year.”

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame also published a book that documents over 130 families that meet established criteria. Immediate family members had to be an NCAA Division I All-American, Senior World Team member, or an Olympic Team member to be considered. 

The book, entitled Family Ties: An American Wrestling Tradition, is a compilation of stories written by several prominent wrestling authors. Twenty-two wrestling historians contributed to the research for the book. Each chapter provides insight into wrestling as it relates to family. 

The book is now available for purchase by calling the National Wrestling Hall of Fame at (405) 377-5243 or the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745.

The book can also be ordered online by visiting www.wrestlinghalloffame.org or www.wrestlingmuseum.org.