WATERLOO, Iowa—One of the most successful athletes in Ithaca College history will enter the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame on July 23. Bob Marella will enter the hall of fame located at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.
 
Induction into the professional wrestling hall of fame includes a substantial impact on professional wrestling, general respect within the profession, and a strong amateur background.
 
Marella, known by his professional wrestling name of Gorilla Monsoon, was an accomplished college wrestler. Marella placed second at the 1959 NCAA tournament for Ithaca College at heavyweight. 
 
“Bob helped raise money for the first mat that I bought at Ithaca,” said John Murray, Ithaca’s head wrestling coach from 1980 to 1995. “He was probably the alumnus who had the greatest impact on our program through money he raised and the awareness he brought to the program.”
 
Monsoon had a distinguished professional wrestling career that included many titles, including the WWWF (now WWE) United States Tag Team title. He was also known for his successful career as a commentator for the WWE. Monsoon died on Oct. 6, 1999.
 
“Gorilla Monsoon’s induction into the hall of fame is long overdue,” said Gerry Brisco, a member of the hall of fame. “His career in college more than qualified him for this great honor. He spent over 30 years in all aspects of professional wrestling, and his matches with Lou Thesz place him along the side of the other greats in this hall of fame.”
 
Marella will be inducted at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction banquet at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in Waterloo, Iowa.
 
For more information on the weekend, or for information on ordering banquet tickets, contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 or orders@wrestlingmuseum.org  . 
 
Schedule of events
Friday, July 22
10:15 a.m. – Registration for celebrity golf tournament at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course
 
11:15 a.m. – Introduction of celebrities
 
11:30 a.m. – Tee off for celebrity golf tournament
 
2 p.m. – Training session with Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
 
5:30 p.m. – Doors open to the public for Impact Pro Wrestling show at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
 
7 p.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling show begins at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
 
Saturday, July 23
11 a.m. – Mixed Martial Arts seminar in the Dan Gable Teaching Center inside the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum
 
12:30 p.m. – Wrestling round table discussion with professional wrestling legends hosted by Brian Hoops of Torch Nostalgia at the Hall of Fame
 
1:30 p.m. – Autograph signing with professional wrestling legends at the Hall of Fame
 
5 p.m. – Reception for Hall of Fame inductees at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
 
6 p.m. – Induction banquet at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
 
7 p.m. – Induction ceremony at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center