Members of the Class of 2012 pose together at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Okla. prior to the presentation of plaques during Honors Weekend on Friday night. Larry Slater photo

STILLWATER, Okla. - The traditional start of Honors Weekend at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is the unveiling of the plaques for those who are being inducted.

Friday evening begins with a social, where the induction class of 2012 met with their families, friends and wrestling peers for food and fellowship.

Dozens of past Olympic champions, World champions, international medalists and NCAA champions were in attendance, as well as the state chapter leaders who conduct the state induction ceremonies across the nation.

Olympic champions such as Dan Gable, John Smith and Wayne Wells were on hand to salute the new Hall of Fame inductees.

Sandy Stevens handled the commentary, as each of the honorees had their plaque unveiled in the John Vaughan Hall of Honors in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

This year, there were four Distinguished Members honored. Included were two past World champions, Fred Fozzard and Stephen Neal, an Olympic medalist, the late Chris Taylor, as well as an Olympic coach and leader Greg Strobel. Fozzard, Neal and Strobel were presented with their plaque and displays along with their families, while the wife and daughter of Chris Taylor were there for his presentation.

VIDEO: Fred Fozzard Distinguished Member plaque presentation

VIDEO: Stephen Neal Distinguished Member plaque presentation

VIDEO: Greg Strobel Distinguished Member plaque presentation

VIDEO: Chris Taylor’s family Distinguished Member plaque presentation

In addition each of the special annual awards presented by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame were also unveiled.

Michigan prep sensation Taylor Massa received the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award. The family of the late Bill Lied, an Olympic referee, received the Lifetime Achievement for Officials Award. Wrestling leader and coach Al Bevilacqua received the Order of Merit. Inspiring NCAA champion Anthony Robles received the Medal of Courage. Two high achievers received the Outstanding American honor, both who were college wrestlers. Andrew Barth, a leader in the financial industry, and Chris Bevilacqua, who is a leader in the media industry, were presented with their awards.

VIDEO: Taylor Massa Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award presentation

VIDEO:  Bill Lied family Lifetime Achievement for Officials Award presentation

VIDEO: Al Bevilacqua Order of Merit Award presentation

VIDEO: Anthony Robles Medal of Courage presentation

VIDEO: Andrew Barth Outstanding American presentation

VIDEO: Chris Bevilacqua Outstanding American presentation

Induction activities continue on Saturday, with the annual golf outing and luncheon, then the 36th Honors Banquet on Saturday night.