Larry Owings NHOF Induction - Communinty Support Needed
Posted by Marc on 9/22/2025, 8:42 am
Good Morning Everyone! I am asking for all of your help in getting Larry Owings, one of the greatest wrestlers in our sport, inducted to the NHOF where he honestly should already be. This is not just important for Washington State, UW or the Northwest, but for Larry and what his generation did to pave the way for us and our kids in wrestling today!
Please read the letter below, copy and paste it with your name, and promptly send it to the following emails. Voting is taking place literally as we speak so please do not wait a day, an hour, a minute, please send it in now. Our sport appreciates your time and attention!
To the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Selection Committee,
I am writing in strong support of Larry Owings’ nomination as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
The case for Larry’s induction is compelling and undeniable:
The Greatest Match in NCAA History – The 1970 NCAA Finals between Owings and Dan Gable has long been recognized as the single greatest collegiate wrestling match of all time. Both men pinned their way to the finals, and Owings, at just a sophomore, shocked the wrestling world by handing Gable his only loss in 182 matches. That match remains legendary, used by coaches to inspire generations of wrestlers. Even the National Hall of Fame in Stillwater Oklahoma has used “The Match” as a way to promote their Hall of Fame for DECADES. A Career of Excellence, Not a One-Time Upset – Larry Owings was far more than a “one-hit wonder.” His collegiate record was an astounding 87-4 with 47 falls. His only four career losses were to Reid Lamphere (All-American), Darrell Keller (JUCO champion, 2x NCAA champion, 1x runner-up), Tom Milkovich (3x All-American, NCAA Champion, undefeated in high school), and Mike Grant (2x champion, 3x finalist). Larry also won the USWF National Freestyle and Greco Championships in 1969. He was awarded the Outstanding Wrestler in the Greco Competition. He pinned Maseo (Tiger) Hattori who was the Japanese National Champion in 1966 and the World Champion in 1967 in Romania. This is a resume of consistency against the highest caliber opponents. Repeated NCAA Success – Owings was not only a champion but a three-time NCAA finalist, falling just short to two of the era’s greatest champions. In his NCAA tournament career, 10 of his 19 wins were by fall, underscoring his dominance. National Recognition and Lasting Legacy – Larry’s story has been featured in Sports Illustrated, Wrestling Guide, WIN Magazine, and numerous documentaries. His name is known across the wrestling community, and his match with Gable was broadcast on ABC, dramatically boosting the visibility of amateur wrestling nationwide. Historical Comparisons – Research shows that at least 12 wrestlers who Larry defeated, or who had equal or lesser collegiate records, have already been inducted as Distinguished Members. By every measure, Larry Owings’ career achievements equal or surpass theirs.
The simple truth is this: Larry Owings was at the center of wrestling’s most iconic moment, and his sustained excellence before and after that match makes his induction long overdue. He is not only the University of Washington’s greatest wrestler but also one of the sport’s most important figures.
I urge the committee to recognize Larry Owings as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
It is time for Larry Owings to take his rightful place among the greatest in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Respectfully, [Your Name]
Re: Larry Owings NHOF Induction - Communinty Support Needed
Thanks Steve, I will be sure to let Randy Tomaras know as he gave me the information. More importantly I hope the WA wrestling community supports Larry in being inducted as he deserves it.
Re: Larry Owings NHOF Induction - Communinty Support Needed
I understand Marc. I think it will be hard to get someone in that only has 1 title with no Olympic medals. I believe both Kellers should be in the HOF. Their resume is even better than Owings, but I'm a little biased being from their hometown,lol.