Henson Enters Pittsburgh’s Wrestling Classic Hall of Fame
March 28, 2018 11:28 AM | Wrestling
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Former West Virginia University wrestling coach Sammie Henson was inducted into Pittsburgh's Wrestling Classic Hall of Fame on Sunday, March 25.
The Wrestling Classic – known as the 'Rose Bowl' of wrestling – is the most prestigious high school all-star wrestling meet in the United States. A team of the best high school seniors in the country square off against Pennsylvania's top seniors in a dual-meet format. This year, the best wrestlers from Western Pennsylvania (WPIAL) squared off against Iowa's All-Star Team. The event, held at the University of Pittsburgh, also showcases the best-of-the-best high school wrestlers from across the United States challenging the reigning Pennsylvania state champions.
"I'm extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to compete at this event and represent Team USA right out of high school," Henson said. "The Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic gives back to the sport and supports wrestling at all levels. It is such a great event for our youth, and it means a lot to the wrestling community. Wrestling is a hard-nosed sport, and I'm honored to be recognized alongside the best wrestlers in the nation 29 years later."
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Henson was honored during the intermission of the Pennsylvania vs. USA All-Star Meet. The St. Charles, Missouri, native represented Team USA at 112 pounds in 1989, defeating Randy Reidler from North Schuylkill in an 8-7 decision. With the win at 112 pounds, Henson helped lead Team USA to victory for the first time in nine years.
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Henson's resume as a competitor speaks for itself. He went on to become one of the most celebrated wrestlers in the history of the United States, as he was one of just a few wrestlers in USA history to earn three world medals. In 1998, Henson became a world champion for Team USA at the World Wrestling Championships, in Tehran, Iran, which eventually led to him winning the John Smith Award for USA Wrestler of the Year. He earned a silver medal at the 2000 Olympic Games at 55 kg (121 lbs.) in Sydney, Australia, and won the bronze medal at the 2006 World Wrestling Championships at 35 years of age.
Additionally, Henson was named USOC Athlete of the Month in September of 1998, and was a finalist for the Sullivan Award in 1999 for his efforts in the World Championships. In all, Henson has won more than 15 freestyle titles at the international level.
Henson started his collegiate wrestling career at Missouri, where he was a Big Eight champion and All-American in 1991. He then transferred to Clemson, where he became a two-time NCAA champion, finishing his career with a 71-0 record. He was named Clemson's Male Athlete of the Year in 1994 and was inducted into the Clemson Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. Henson returned to Missouri in 1995 to earn a degree in parks, recreation and tourism management.
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Of note, Henson also was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame (SCAHOF) earlier this year.
West Virginia University Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President Shane Lyons announced on March 28th that Henson's contract will not be renewed for the 2018-19 season.
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For more information on the Mountaineers, visit WVUsports.com and follow WVUWrestling on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
