Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award

The purpose of the Perry Wrestling Foundation Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award is to recognize past or present individuals who have contributed to the rich history of Perry Wrestling through their passionate dedication and lifelong support of Perry Wrestling.

2024 video

JANET WILHELM + MARK KIRK

2024

Janet Wilhelm

The Foundation is proud to announce Janet Wilhelm as a recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award.

Janet’s involvement with Perry Wrestling began back in high school when Fred Waltermire had her doing the work of the Mat Maids before the Mat Maids even existed.  As a senior in high school, she was crowned the 1974 Perry Wrestling Homecoming Queen.

Since then, she has continued to be involved with Perry Wrestling including serving as the President of the Takedown Club while her son Russell was wrestling for Perry.

Janet was a founding member and very instrumental in getting the Perry Wrestling Foundation started.  It would take an hour to mention all of the things that Janet did for Perry Wrestling while serving on the Foundation.

Mentioning just three:

• She worked to prepare and submit the required documentation to enable the Foundation to be a 501(c)3 organization.

• She did exhaustive research to create a Perry Wrestling Alumni contact list.

• Always the energizer bunny, Janet was a key member of the committees that planned the 90-year reunion in 2012 and that built the Perry Wrestling Monument Park in 2016.

Although she was no longer a Foundation member, she was a tremendous help with planning of the Perry Wrestling Centennial Celebration in 2022.

The tradition continues with Janet’s son Russell who began wrestling for Perry at a young age and was a 2-time state champion for Perry and is currently the head coach for Deer Creek High School.  

Janet continues to help when needed and is dedicated to Perry Wrestling

Mark Kirk

The Foundation is proud to announce Mark Kirk as a recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award.    

Mark’s involvement with Perry wrestling began when he was a youngster and continued thru high school where he was a member of three state championship teams and he was a state runner-up on the 1975 state championship team.  Mark served as the team captain and crowned the Perry Wrestling Homecoming Queen that same year. 

Since high school, Mark has continued to have strong ties to Perry Wrestling by serving as the tournament director since 2010 for both the Junior High and High School Perry Tournament of Champions and this year he was the tournament director for the first ever Perry Girls Tournament of Champions.

Mark’s involvement in Perry Wrestling includes:

• writing “The Maroon Dynasty – The History of Perry Wrestling”

• writing wrestling articles for the Perry Daily Journal since 2009 

• and proudly serving on the Perry Wrestling Foundation from 2010-2022.  He served as president when the Foundation celebrated the 90-year reunion and during the construction of the Perry Wrestling Monument Park.  He was vice-president during the planning of the Centennial Celebration.

In 2017, Mark was inducted into the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, where he joined 12 other Perry alumni who have received this prestigious award, including his brother Mike.

Mark continues to help out whenever it is needed and we thank him for his leadership in advancing Perry Wrestling.

As a small token of appreciation for their passion and support of Perry Wrestling, Roger Tetik, President of the Perry Wrestling Foundation will present a print of the Perry Wrestling Monument Park to Janet Wilhelm and Mark Kirk. 

In addition to their recognition, the names of Janet Wilhelm and Mark Kirk will be etched in granite at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park, forever recognizing their incredible support of Perry Wrestling.

2022 + 2023 video

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Don Klinglesmith + Leslie Fleming

2023

Leslie Fleming

The Perry Wrestling Foundation is proud to announce Leslie Fleming as the 2023 Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award.  For Leslie, it truly has been a lifetime of support and involvement in Perry Wrestling. Starting at a young age, Leslie was there, cheering on her dad’s state championship teams. Then in high school, Leslie served as a PHS cheerleader supporting the team. A proud family moment occurred when Leslie was crowned as the 1976 Wrestling Queen, joining her mom who was crowned as the 1955 Wrestling Queen.  And who was the captain of the 1955 team, of course, none other than Leslie’s dad, Leonard “Shorty” Shelton. 

 As an adult, Leslie continued to be a huge fan and follower of Perry Wrestling.  When Ry and Zane were in school, Leslie was very involved in the Takedown Club, taking care of numerous jobs in support of the team including serving several years as President or Vice-president.

 For many years, she was a force of one taking care of the Perry Wrestling Foundation scholarship program.  Truly one of those situations, that if she didn’t do it, it wasn’t going to get done.

 When the PWF reorganized in 2011, Leslie was named a member of the PWF Board, where she served for 10 years as a dedicated and hard-working member of the Foundation.  In addition, to taking care of the normal activities of the Foundation, Leslie was a vital and committed member of three of the largest undertakings of the PWF.

 Spread over a 10-year period, Leslie put in countless hours in planning and organizing for the 90th Reunion, the Centennial Reunion, and the building of the Perry Wrestling Monument Park.  Her support, ideas and hard work were instrumental in the success of all three ventures.  One of the best examples of her dedicated work was at the 90th Reunion when Leslie and good friend Guyla Workman served as the committee chairs in overseeing the incredibly fun Casino Night. 

 As a small token of appreciation for her passion and support of Perry Wrestling, Roger Tetik, President of the Perry Wrestling Foundation presented a print of the Perry Wrestling Monument Park to Leslie Fleming.  In addition, Leslie Fleming’s name will be etched in granite at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park, forever recognizing her incredible support of Perry Wrestling.

2022

Mr. Don Klinglesmith

The Klinglesmith name runs deep within Perry Wrestling and that legacy began with our 2022 Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award – Mr. Don Klinglesmith.

 Don graduated from Perry High School in 1950 and was a Perry Wrestler. During his high school wrestling career, he placed 3rd at the state tournament in 1949 and 2nd in 1950 and this was at a time when there was only one class at the state tournament.

 After graduation, Don supported Perry Wrestling in whatever capacity he was needed, and the wrestlers enjoyed being around him.  Just a few of Don’s contributions include:

 ·         Starting in 1973, he was the second person to serve as the Perry Takedown Cub President and it was a                         position he held for many years after that.

 ·         He was instrumental in the planning of and served as emcee at Perry Wrestling’s 50-year reunion in 1973 – a               reunion that included that had over 500 attendees.

 ·         Don helped Terry Leonard organize and raise money to send approximately 20 Perry wrestlers to a wrestling               tournament in Mexico City in 1974 where Perry ended up winning the tournament.

 ·         For over 20 years, Don served as score keeper at all of Perry’s home duals.  

 ·        Every year Don would take off work from the Post Office and volunteer to take kids to the Geary Tournament,              as the wrestlers were taken by private car and not the bus.

 Don’s son, Kyle – a State Champion in 1977 continued the legacy by serving as a score keeper for Perry’s Home Duals for several years.

 Don’s grandsons, Matt and Jeff Klinglesmith both wrestled for Perry with Jeff placing 2nd at the State Tournament in 1999, 50 years after his Grandpa had wrestled and medaled at the same tournament.

 And to continue the Klinglesmith wrestling tradition, Jeff helped to start the Perry Wrestling Academy and is coaching the next generation of Perry wrestlers and that includes his own sons who will be the 4th generation of Klinglesmith Perry Wrestlers, Heston and Easton!

As a small token of appreciation for Don’s passion and support of Perry Wrestling, Roger Tetik, President of the Perry Wrestling Foundation presented a print of the Perry Wrestling Monument Park to the Don Klinglesmith family.  In addition, the name of Don Klinglesmith will be etched in granite at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park, forever recognizing his incredible support of Perry Wrestling.

2021

SENATOR CHUCK HALL

Watch the video to see the presentation to Chuck Hall, our 2021 recipient of the Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award.

Perry Wrestling Foundation is proud to announce Senator Chuck Hall as the 2021 recipient of the Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award.

 The Hall Family has a long and proud history in Perry as Chuck is a 4th generation descendant of a pioneer family that settled in Perry during the Cherokee Strip Land Run and the 3rd generation of a banking family that spans over 160 years. 

 Chuck has always been very active and supportive in countless activities and organizations in and around Perry, including serving two terms as Mayor of Perry. Chuck was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 2018, representing Noble, Pawnee, Logan, and Kingfisher counties. 

 Chuck got his start in wrestling early as he was a member of the Perry Wresting team for many years, including being a proud part of the 1985 state championship team.

 Chuck and Perry Wrestling go hand in hand as he has been an active and energetic supporter of Perry Wrestling for over 25 years and counting.  Under Chuck’s leadership, Exchange Bank has been the proud sponsor of the Perry Tournament of Champions as well as providing vital support to numerous wrestlers and teams.  Whatever the need, Chuck is always eager and happy to support Perry Wrestling and his passionate support has helped Perry maintain its title of Wrestling Capital of the World! 

 In addition to his support of the Perry Wrestling teams, Chuck, from the very first meeting, played a critical role in every phase of the successful completion of the Perry Wrestling Monument Park.  In fact, the project may not have ever gotten off the ground if it wasn’t for Chuck’s knowledge and determined efforts working with the City of Perry in gaining approval of closing the alley and moving of utilities. 

 As a small token of appreciation for his passionate support of Perry Wrestling, Roger Tetik, president of the Perry Wrestling Foundation, presented Chuck with a print of the Perry Wrestling Monument Park which states “In Grateful Recognition to Chuck Hall / 2021 Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award.”

 In addition to being recognized this evening, Chuck’s name will be etched in granite at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park, forever recognizing his incredible support of Perry Wrestling.

 Thank you, Chuck, for your long-lasting and passionate support of Perry Wrestling!

 2020

Dale Kirkhart + Darren & Julie Patton

Each recipient received a picture of the Perry Wrestling Monument Park which was presented by Roger Tetik

Recipient’s names will be etched in granite at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park, forever recognizing their incredible support of Perry Wrestling.

Dale Kirkhart was an avid supporter of Perry Wrestling from the 1950s until his passing in 1983.   By day, Dale was a wheat farmer who also served as a county commissioner, but one of his true passions, was cheering on the Perry Maroon wrestlers.  Dale, who was a pitcher for Perry’s semipro baseball team back in his time, didn’t have a wrestling background, but that didn’t stop him from becoming one of Perry’s biggest fans. 

Dale was known for two things when it came to cheering on the team – 1.  He was going to be one of the first fans through the doors, so he could make sure he got his seat on the railing, front and center to enjoy all of action.  And 2 – early on, his daughter Carolyn Sue was always by his side and then later on, his wife Betty always attended the duals with him.  In fact, for a few years, Dale and Betty often times traveled with the team to the away duals.

Dale always enjoyed visiting with and getting to know the wrestlers.  It was well known around town that Dale loved to talk wrestling and that any conversation with him would quickly turn to the latest wrestling stories.

Dale’s Christmas present to himself was to attend the Geary Tournament.  For those two days, he just loved sitting in Geary’s cracker box gym cheering on Bob Drebenstedt, Lester Seat, Jeff Robinett and all of the Perry wrestling greats from that time.

During the 70s and until his passing in 1983, Dale formed a special bond with legendary coaches Leonard “Shorty” Shelton, Fred Waltermire and Terry Leonard. 

It was during this time that Dale started and was the key worker in what became a yearly tradition for the Perry Wrestlers.  Each year, Dale and other dedicated fans worked many hours to raise money to send the wrestlers to the NCAA Tournament.  This trip was a reward for winning a state championship and was a special time filled with many great memories for the wrestlers.  As usual, the businesses and people of Perry always came through, but it was Dale and other supporters that did the leg work to make sure it happened.  This was a time-consuming effort, but something that Dale loved to do and his way of saying thanks to the wrestlers.

In 1980, Dale was presented a plaque and belt buckle by the Perry Wrestling team to show their appreciation for Dale’s long-time support of Perry Wrestling.

Dale’s name will be etched in granite at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park, forever recognizing his incredible support of Perry Wrestling.

Darren and Julie Patton are a husband and wife team that has supported Perry Wrestling for the past 30 years and they look forward for doing it for the next 30 years!  Darren and Julie got a quick start in their support of Perry Wrestling as they jumped in with both feet right after graduating from Perry High School.  Darren, a 1990 graduate, started coaching in the youth program in 1991.  Over the next 20 years, Darren coached along-side Don Huff, Eddie Moses and Kyle Klinglesmith in developing the youth wrestlers that went on to win numerous high school state championships.

 Not only did Darren develop future champions, he developed life-long relationships with his wrestlers.  To this day, wrestlers that he coached, like Laddie Rupp and Dusty Ward, affectionately refer to Darren as “Coach” when they run into each other.

 Darren, always working as an unpaid volunteer coach, unselfishishly gave his time to coach his wrestlers.  It wasn’t uncommon for wrestlers like Herb Polk, Tris and Victor Atkinson, Homer Thompson, Joel Marler and Tony Kegin to spend the night at Darren and Julie’s house to make sure they would make Saturday’s early morning weigh-in.

 Another example of Darren’s passion for coaching was the sacrifice that he made every deer season.  Darren loves deer hunting, but for many years he passed up many hunting opportunities to take the wrestlers to the tournaments.

 One year, Darren not only served as the youth coach, but he also assisted Tony Macias in coaching the junior high team.

 Julie’s support of Perry Wrestling wasn’t serving as a coach but serving as coordinator of a critical part of the Perry Youth Program.  Starting right out of high school in 1991 and continuing to THIS day, Julie has served as the all-important coordinator for the concession stand at the Perry Novice Tournament.  The concession stand is a vital fund raiser for the program and there is a LOT of work that must be done before, during and after the tournament to make sure everything runs smoothly.  Well for 30 years now, the person most responsible for that is Julie Patton.  And Don Huff, the person most involved with that program, says she has done it perfectly for all of those years!

 Darren and Julie’s support of Perry Wrestling doesn’t stop in what they contributed to the youth program as they have been enthusiastic supporters of the high school team for the past 30 years and like fellow recipient Dale Kirkhart, have traveled the state cheering on the wrestlers.  In fact, one year they were named the Fans of Year and recognized by Head Coach Scott Chenoweth at the wrestling banquet.

 For many years, they have also volunteered their time working at the Perry JH and HS Tournament of Champions.  For coaches, a critical factor in any tournament is the all-important Hospitality Room.  Perry, of course, always stocks their Hospitality Room with the most delicious home-cooked food and Julie was certainly a key part of the team to stock and staff the Hospitality Room for the tournaments.  Darren was always around helping run the staging area or wherever he was needed during the tournament.

 Darren and Julie’s love of Perry Wrestling also extends to their family, as it is not uncommon to see Darren, Julie and all of their family at the duals.  Daughters Katie and Makayla served as Mat Maids for many years, with Katie being crowned Wrestling Queen in 2010 and Makayla being crowned Wrestling Queen in 2015.  Son Logan was a member of three state championship teams and was a 2019 state qualifier.  And the cycle is getting ready to start all over again as 3-year-old son Ryker will soon be on the mat starting his career as a Perry Maroon wrestler!

 Like Dale, Darren and Julie’s names will be etched in granite at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park, forever recognizing their life-long support of Perry Wrestling.

2019

Tim Bingham

Tim Bingham came to Perry in 1971 with no wrestling background, but quickly grew to love Perry Wrestling. Tim served in a variety of roles for the program, including writing tons of outstanding articles for the PDJ during his 13 years as an assistant coach to Terry Leonard and Fred Waltermire. Tim was the driving force behind two key parts of Perry Wrestling that are still vital to today’s program. In 1975, he had the vision to start the Mat Maid program and in 1976, he helped organize and plan the 1st Perry Tournament of Champions. Tim served as tournament director for over 25 years, even returning just for the tournament after he left Perry to work full time for the Oklahoma National Guard. Thank you Tim Bingham for your commitment and dedication to Perry Wrestling!

2018

Dave Matthews + Irl W. Henry + Eddie Moses

Irl W. Henry wrestled for the Maroons and was selected as a Captain of the 1940 team. For many years he gave of his time as the announcer and “The Voice of Perry Wrestling.” He worked all the duals and countless tournaments. When he worked tournaments he would get paid a small stipend. He always donated this back to the wrestling program and never kept it for himself. He was recognized as the Perry Wrestling Fan of the Year in 1989 and 1996. In 2004, he was recognized during the state finals for attending the State Wrestling Tournament for 54 consecutive years! But, the thing that made Irl special is that he took the time to get to know each individual wrestler. He was always there with an encouraging word or a pat on the back. Even though he passed away several years ago, he left a lasting impression on many young men. His obituary even stated, “He is now with the Lord in heaven and will continue to cheer for the PHS wrestlers from the bleachers in the sky.” Representing Irl at the presentation was his family, Hulda Henry Trumbla, Kathy Henry and Terry Henry.

David C. Matthews was a three-time All American and 1938 National Champion wrestler from the University of Oklahoma. In 1945, David was a young attorney looking to raise his growing family in a small town that was a county seat. Fortunately, for Perry, he moved here. David, or Dave as he was called around town, had a powerful and long lasting impact on the Perry wrestlers. His incredible support helped lay the foundation for the championship teams of the 50s and 60s which continues today under the motto “Wrestling Lives Here!” Former wrestlers shared that Dave was a role model and he was always present when needed. He treated every kid, no matter the ability level, like he was a champion. One former wrestler recalls Dave’s special touch in inspiring young men to be the best they could be.

Dave’s support went far beyond the wrestling mat. He often times provided financial assistance and legal guidance to those in need. In fact, one former wrestler affectionately referred to him as the “godfather of the youth in Perry.” He sometimes even became a legal guardian to help resolve a family challenge. One perfect example was Dave becoming the legal guardian of recent Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, the late Tony Macias. His support, encouragement and positive influence helped lead a countless number of wrestlers to successful careers once they graduated from high school. Dave’s daughters, Fran Little and Jeanie Vance were at the dual to receive the honor in memory of their Dad.

Eddie Moses was a 1975 state runner-up while competing for the Maroons before turning to coaching. He served as a youth coach for many years and was the type of coach that always got the most out of the wrestlers with his positive and uplifting coaching style. His coaching helped develop many young wrestlers that later became high school state champions. For the past several years, his fanatical and enthusiastic support of anything to do with Perry Schools has not gone unnoticed. While a huge supporter of all of the sports, his passion for Perry Wrestling is 2nd to none. He always has a big grin on his face and a “Can Do” attitude that puts everyone around him in a good mood.

2017

Don Huff

Don Huff truly is an individual that has given to and supported Perry Wrestling his entire life.  Starting wrestling in his youth, he has been surrounded by incredible role models his entire wrestling career.  Don started under the guidance of Tom Groom and the late Tony Macias, with Terry Leonard serving as his junior high coach and Leonard “Shorty” Shelton and Fred Waltermire coaching him in high school. 

Following graduation from Oklahoma State, Don returned to Perry and Shorty eagerly encouraged him to assist with the youth wrestling practices.  Fearing an infamous Shorty “ear bite”, he headed to his first youth practice, and incredibly, 34 years later, he is still at the armory molding future champions for Perry Wrestling. 

Just as impressive as his length of service as a youth coach is his passion and fire for the youth wrestling program.  Perry Wrestling is as strong today as the day Don started back in 1983.  Coach Huff has set the standard for introducing young boys and girls to the sport of wrestling.  His longevity, commitment and passion have laid the groundwork for many future champions.  

Don’s positive and everlasting influence on his young wrestlers is immeasurable.  The incredible success of the high school program provides a glimpse into the overwhelming number of wrestlers that he has influenced.  While Don has served as the Perry youth coach, Perry High School has won an amazing 18 team State Championships and 18 Dual State titles.  He has coached wrestlers that have gone on to win 167 high school state medals including an incredible 44 individual state titles!  This list of champions includes 4 time champions Ladd Rupp and Ian Fisher, 3 time champs Colby Heppler, Stephen Swan and Matt Manley plus WWE World Champion Jacob Hager, alias Jack Swagger – the All-American American!” 

Don first helped coach the local YMCA program in 1983, and in 1992 started the Perry Youth Wrestling Program.  His commitment to wrestling goes beyond Perry Wrestling as he has served multiple terms on the Oklahoma YMCA Wrestling Commission and currently serving his 8th consecutive term as the Northwest Regional Director for the Oklahoma Kids Wrestling Association Executive Board of Directors.  Don also assists Jack Roller’s World of Wrestling in hosting three national tournaments.  Don has also assisted the Perry Information Network in broadcasting commentary for dual matches and tournaments including the high school state tournament. 

Not only is Don fully committed to coaching the youth team, you can count on him to be at every high school match, cheering for the wrestlers that more than likely wrestled under him when they were younger.  There is probably a good chance that he is running from one of his own practices or tournaments to catch the wrestlers in action, but his love of Perry Wrestling is evident by his enthusiastic presence at all wrestling events. 

Soon the Perry Wrestling Foundation will erect a granite slab at the Perry Wrestling Monument Park recognizing the recipients of the “Lifetime Service to Perry Wrestling Award.”  The 2017 honoree of this award, Don Huff, and all future honorees, will have their names etched in granite, alongside all of the past champions, forever declaring their invaluable contributions to Perry Wrestling.  

“We proudly recognize Don Huff as the first recipient of the life time service award as his commitment, passion and support of Perry Wrestling is sincere and everlasting,” stated Foundation president Roger Tetik.  Tetik went on to say, “Perry has a long and storied history in wrestling and there have been so many people that have been instrumental in providing the incredible support in keeping the tradition alive.  Perry Wrestling is blessed and appreciative of the large number of individuals and businesses that have provided such enthusiastic and critical support to this historic wrestling program over the past 95 years and we are eager to recognize their invaluable support in the years to come.”