Etched In Stone

After leaving the place he'd help establish as a national wrestling power, Gray Simons spent five seasons at Indiana State as the Sycamores' head coach prior to taking over his first “big school” - the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. While sports-crazy, Tennessee was still new to the wrestling game. Gray Simons and a talented recruiter named Steve Gaydosh wouldn't just change Tennessee's fortunes - they would turn Tennessee into a waking giant in college wrestling. As programs started to fall around them, Tennessee held strong, as did its athletes, overcoming some severe adversity on their way to stardom. Gray Simons and company were building something special on Rocky Top. Episode 4: Building Up Rock Top Listen & Follow Etched in StoneApple Podcasts | Spotify | Deezer | Radio Public | RSS About Gray Simons During his four years of collegiate competition at Lock Haven University, Gray Simons entered seven national tournaments. He won all seven, and six times was voted outstanding wrestler of the event. Four years he reigned supreme at 115 pounds in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and all four years was chosen the NAIA's finest, an unparalleled achievement. Three times he won the University Division title in the NCAA and as a junior and senior was voted the outstanding competitor. The only two defeats of his 93 collegiate matches came early in his freshman season. He then proceeded to win 84 in a row. In the two years after his graduation, while stationed at the U.S. Military Academy, he continued to annex national championships in military, YMCA and AAU competition. He won the gold medal in the 1963 World Military Games. Gray Simons twice represented his country in the Olympic Games, in 1960 and 1964. On the mat, he was known as a superb technician, with quickness, skill and perfect execution of an infinite variety of moves. His abilities helped spread nationwide the "Granby Series" of moves developed by his Hall of Fame high school coach in Norfolk, Virginia, Billy Martin. After the close of his competitive career, he served with distinction as a collegiate coach at Lock Haven, Indiana State, Tennessee and Old Dominion University, and never has suffered a losing season. Among his proteges were two NCAA champions and several All-Americans. In both roles, as a wrestler and coach, this quiet man has set an outstanding example for young athletes everywhere. As a wrestler of unchallenged achievement and a sportsman of the highest caliber, Elliot Gray Simons is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Gray Simons finished his college career by setting a new standard in college wrestling. Seven national championships, college wrestling's first four-time title winner in any division to go along with two Olympic appearances. The Olympic disappointment didn't last long as Gray Simons returned to Mat Town to take over its proud wrestling program. Simons was primed to lead the program to new heights, taking over as the program's head coach after his distinguished competitive career. But could Simons build the Bald Eagles into a winner against the nation's heavyweights or would something else stand in his way? Episode 3: Mat Town's Championship Era looks at Gray Simons' return to Lock Haven. Listen & Follow Etched in Stone Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Deezer | Radio Public | RSS About Gray Simons During his four years of collegiate competition at Lock Haven University, Gray Simons entered seven national tournaments. He won all seven, and six times was voted outstanding wrestler of the event. Four years he reigned supreme at 115 pounds in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and all four years was chosen the NAIA's finest, an unparalleled achievement. Three times he won the University Division title in the NCAA and as a junior and senior was voted the outstanding competitor. The only two defeats of his 93 collegiate matches came early in his freshman season. He then proceeded to win 84 in a row. In the two years after his graduation, while stationed at the U.S. Military Academy, he continued to annex national championships in military, YMCA and AAU competition. He won the gold medal in the 1963 World Military Games. Gray Simons twice represented his country in the Olympic Games, in 1960 and 1964. On the mat, he was known as a superb technician, with quickness, skill and perfect execution of an infinite variety of moves. His abilities helped spread nationwide the "Granby Series" of moves developed by his Hall of Fame high school coach in Norfolk, Virginia, Billy Martin. After the close of his competitive career, he served with distinction as a collegiate coach at Lock Haven, Indiana State, Tennessee and Old Dominion University, and never has suffered a losing season. Among his proteges were two NCAA champions and several All-Americans. In both roles, as a wrestler and coach, this quiet man has set an outstanding example for young athletes everywhere. As a wrestler of unchallenged achievement and a sportsman of the highest caliber, Elliot Gray Simons is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

From 1961-1964, Gray Simons was one of the best wrestlers in the World. Heading into his junior season at Lock Haven, Simons had already won two NAIA national championships and an NCAA championship, beating Olympian Dick Wilson in the finals as a sophomore.  After his trip to Rome saw him come away from the Olympics without a medal, Simons continued his tear through college wrestling. Would injuries or wrestlers from more dominant programs stop him from his place in wrestling history? Would old friends and teammates be the ones who would knock Simons from his path?  Find out in the second installment of Seven.  Seven is the story of one of America's great wrestling minds - a stellar athlete with two Olympic appearances - and a dynamic technical mind - delivering next-level techniques learned at Granby and tweaked for the college wrestling world. Episode 2: Masterful Mite looks at Simons' run into the record books, becoming the first collegiate wrestler to win four national college championships and the 20th to win three NCAA titles. The journey also runs through his second Olympic appearance. Listen & Follow Etched in StoneApple Podcasts | Spotify | Deezer | Radio Public | RSS About Gray Simons (From NWHOF.com) During his four years of collegiate competition at Lock Haven University, Gray Simons entered seven national tournaments. He won all seven, and six times was voted outstanding wrestler of the event. Four years he reigned supreme at 115 pounds in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and all four years was chosen the NAIA's finest, an unparalleled achievement. Three times he won the University Division title in the NCAA and as a junior and senior was voted the outstanding competitor. The only collegiate defeat in his 90 collegiate matches came in his freshman season. He then proceeded to win 84 in a row, a record at the time. 

From the legendary Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia, the path to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Elliot Gray Simons included some unbelievable feats of wrestling, but it didn't start off with immediate accolades. Simons would win a state championship for Hall of Fame coach Billy Martin before enrolling at tiny Lock Haven State Teachers College. There, Simons would dominate the college wrestling world, becoming the first wrestler in history to win four NAIA national titles and was the first to win four collegiate national championships across any division. He would also win three NCAA titles, battling with some of the titans of the sport, including future members of the Hall of Fame. Seven is the story of one of America's great wrestling minds - a stellar athlete with two Olympic appearances - and a dynamic technical mind - delivering next-level techniques learned at Granby and tweaked for the college wrestling world. Episode 1: Unrolling Granby chronicles Simons' start back in Virginia and his journey to Lock Haven, his first NCAA title and his first appearance at the Olympic Games in Rome. Listen & Follow Etched in StoneApple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Deezer | Radio Public | RSS About Gray Simons (From NWHOF.com) During his four years of collegiate competition at Lock Haven University, Gray Simons entered seven national tournaments. He won all seven, and six times was voted outstanding wrestler of the event. Four years he reigned supreme at 115 pounds in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and all four years was chosen the NAIA's finest, an unparalleled achievement. Three times he won the University Division title in the NCAA and as a junior and senior was voted the outstanding competitor. The only collegiate defeat in his 90 collegiate matches came in his freshman season. He then proceeded to win 84 in a row, a record at the time.  In the two years after his graduation, while stationed at the U.S. Military Academy, he continued to annex national championships in military, YMCA and AAU competition. He won the gold medal in the 1963 World Military Games. Gray Simons twice represented his country in the Olympic Games, in 1960 and 1964. On the mat, he was known as a superb technician, with quickness, skill and perfect execution of an infinite variety of moves. His abilities helped spread nationwide the "Granby Series" of moves developed by his Hall of Fame high school coach in Norfolk, Virginia, Billy Martin. After the close of his competitive career, he served with distinction as a collegiate coach at Lock Haven, Indiana State, Tennessee and Old Dominion University, and never has suffered a losing season. Among his proteges were two NCAA champions and several All-Americans. In both roles, as a wrestler and coach, this quiet man has set an outstanding example for young athletes everywhere. As a wrestler of unchallenged achievement and a sportsman of the highest caliber, Elliot Gray Simons is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Show Credits: Show written and produced by Jason Bryant, Mat Talk Online Amateur Wrestling News, Volumes 4-5, 1959-1960 Wrestlers at the Trials, James V. Moffatt, 2007 The Granby Roll, J.W. "Johnny" Brown, 2008 Music Provided by Envato Elements. 

Trailer for the upcoming Etched in Stone series, Gray Simons: Seven. Gray Simons was college wrestling's first four-time collegiate national champion. He also holds the unique distinction of being the first - and only - seven-time college national champion. Simons was a four-time NAIA champion at Lock Haven and was also a three-time NCAA champion, winning the Outstanding Wrestler award six times in those seven tournaments.  A two-time Olympian, Simons stands as one of the greatest American wrestlers to ever walk the earth. 

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and USA Wrestling are excited to announce that their Etched In Stone - Stories of Wrestling Legends podcast featuring Lee Kemp, a three-time World champion and a three-time NCAA champion for the University of Wisconsin has launched at etchedinstonepodcast.com. Episode II will be released on March 7 followed by Episode III on March 14 and Episode IV on March 21. The EIS series provides wrestling fans an opportunity to hear legendary wrestlers sharing the trials and tribulations they encountered on the way to becoming one of wrestling's best. Podcasts also include interviews with coaches, competitors, teammates and others who were part of the journey, giving additional insight on the legend. EIS podcasts are produced by former wrestlers and wrestling insiders, utilizing their knowledge and unique perspective to extract the stories that fans want to hear. The Kemp podcast is produced by 1976 NCAA wrestling champion and Hall of Fame board member Pat Christenson, who also created the EIS series, and Peter LoPinto of Pinto Media. It is narrated by Hall of Fame board member and former chairman of the board Terry Shockley, who was the first wrestler inducted into the Augustana College Athletic Hall of Honor.   Adopted at the age of five, Kemp did not begin wrestling until the ninth grade. But once started, he scaled the heights faster and farther than any American wrestler before him. He reached the NCAA finals as a true freshman, only to be turned back by a split decision in overtime. He would not lose another college bout. The next three years, Kemp posted 108 victories and one draw, and won three NCAA titles at 158 pounds, becoming the first black wrestler to win three national titles. The four-episode series will break down the remarkable career of one of wrestling's all-time greats. 

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and USA Wrestling are excited to announce that their Etched In Stone - Stories of Wrestling Legends podcast featuring Lee Kemp, a three-time World champion and a three-time NCAA champion for the University of Wisconsin has launched at etchedinstonepodcast.com. Episode II will be released on March 8 followed by Episode III on March 15 and Episode IV on March 22. The EIS series provides wrestling fans an opportunity to hear legendary wrestlers sharing the trials and tribulations they encountered on the way to becoming one of wrestling's best. Podcasts also include interviews with coaches, competitors, teammates and others who were part of the journey, giving additional insight on the legend. EIS podcasts are produced by former wrestlers and wrestling insiders, utilizing their knowledge and unique perspective to extract the stories that fans want to hear. The Kemp podcast is produced by 1976 NCAA wrestling champion and Hall of Fame board member Pat Christenson, who also created the EIS series, and Peter LoPinto of Pinto Media. It is narrated by Hall of Fame board member and former chairman of the board Terry Shockley, who was the first wrestler inducted into the Augustana College Athletic Hall of Honor.   Adopted at the age of five, Kemp did not begin wrestling until the ninth grade. But once started, he scaled the heights faster and farther than any American wrestler before him. He reached the NCAA finals as a true freshman, only to be turned back by a split decision in overtime. He would not lose another college bout. The next three years, Kemp posted 108 victories and one draw, and won three NCAA titles at 158 pounds, becoming the first black wrestler to win three national titles. The four-episode series will break down the remarkable career of one of wrestling's all-time greats. 

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and USA Wrestling are excited to announce that their Etched In Stone - Stories of Wrestling Legends podcast featuring Lee Kemp, a three-time World champion and a three-time NCAA champion for the University of Wisconsin has launched at etchedinstonepodcast.com. Episode II will be released on March 7 followed by Episode III on March 14 and Episode IV on March 21. The EIS series provides wrestling fans an opportunity to hear legendary wrestlers sharing the trials and tribulations they encountered on the way to becoming one of wrestling's best. Podcasts also include interviews with coaches, competitors, teammates and others who were part of the journey, giving additional insight on the legend. EIS podcasts are produced by former wrestlers and wrestling insiders, utilizing their knowledge and unique perspective to extract the stories that fans want to hear. The Kemp podcast is produced by 1976 NCAA wrestling champion and Hall of Fame board member Pat Christenson, who also created the EIS series, and Peter LoPinto of Pinto Media. It is narrated by Hall of Fame board member and former chairman of the board Terry Shockley, who was the first wrestler inducted into the Augustana College Athletic Hall of Honor.   Adopted at the age of five, Kemp did not begin wrestling until the ninth grade. But once started, he scaled the heights faster and farther than any American wrestler before him. He reached the NCAA finals as a true freshman, only to be turned back by a split decision in overtime. He would not lose another college bout. The next three years, Kemp posted 108 victories and one draw, and won three NCAA titles at 158 pounds, becoming the first black wrestler to win three national titles. The four-episode series will break down the remarkable career of one of wrestling's all-time greats. 

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and USA Wrestling are excited to announce that their Etched In Stone - Stories of Wrestling Legends podcast featuring Lee Kemp, a three-time World champion and a three-time NCAA champion for the University of Wisconsin has launched at etchedinstonepodcast.com. Episode II will be released on March 8 followed by Episode III on March 15 and Episode IV on March 22. The EIS series provides wrestling fans an opportunity to hear legendary wrestlers sharing the trials and tribulations they encountered on the way to becoming one of wrestling's best. Podcasts also include interviews with coaches, competitors, teammates and others who were part of the journey, giving additional insight on the legend. EIS podcasts are produced by former wrestlers and wrestling insiders, utilizing their knowledge and unique perspective to extract the stories that fans want to hear. The Kemp podcast is produced by 1976 NCAA wrestling champion and Hall of Fame board member Pat Christenson, who also created the EIS series, and Peter LoPinto of Pinto Media. It is narrated by Hall of Fame board member and former chairman of the board Terry Shockley, who was the first wrestler inducted into the Augustana College Athletic Hall of Honor. Adopted at the age of five, Kemp did not begin wrestling until the ninth grade. But once started, he scaled the heights faster and farther than any American wrestler before him. He reached the NCAA finals as a true freshman, only to be turned back by a split decision in overtime. He would not lose another college bout. The next three years, Kemp posted 108 victories and one draw, and won three NCAA titles at 158 pounds, becoming the first black wrestler to win three national titles. The four-episode series will break down the remarkable career of one of wrestling's all-time greats. 

The famous tagline for ABC's Wide World of Sports is the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Lloyd Keaser's story isn't all sunshine and rainbows. In addition to the hardships he overcame as a youth and the struggles in high school and at the Naval Academy, Keaser's wrestling career also saw the highs and lows. Wrestling is a fickle beast. Wrestling doesn't care how good you are. It can fell the mightiest of men and women. It is humbling.    Following Keaser's triumph in 1973 at the World Championships, he experienced another form of agony, but it was wrapped in Olympic uniqueness. Another sports adage, especially in combat sports, is you don't win silver, you lose gold.    This is the final chapter of Lloyd “Butch” Keaser story, a post-world championship career and a post-Olympic existence.    This series from Etched in Stone will tell you the in-depth story of Lloyd Keaser – A man who overcame growing up in a segregated community near Baltimore and battled through poverty and racism on – and off – the mat and through it all, excelled in the classroom and excelled for his country. 

When it comes to being a success, Famed country music legend Loretta Lynn once said you either have to be first, best or different. In the sports world, there aren't many opportunities to be all three at the same time, since there's usually always someone who's come before you.    In 1973, Lloyd “Butch” Keaser would accomplish the rare trifecta, but before Keaser made history as the first African American to win a world championship and the first Black wrestler to win an Olympic medal, he had to be introduced to the sport of wrestling.    In the second installment of the Lloyd Keaser Etched in Stone series, we will explore how the oldest of seven children — who grew up in the poverty, segregation and racism that blatantly existed just outside of Baltimore — used the sport of wrestling to excel on the mat and the classroom that eventually sent him to the Naval Academy as a top student and All-American wrestler.   This series from Etched in Stone will tell you the in-depth story of Lloyd Keaser – A man who overcame growing up in a segregated community near Baltimore and battled through poverty and racism on – and off – the mat and through it all, excelled in the classroom and excelled for his country. 

In March of 2021 at the NCAA Division I wrestling championships in St. Louis, five African-American wrestlers – Iowa State's David Carr, Minnesota's Gable Steveson and the Penn State trip of Roman Bravo-Young, Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks — all won individual championships. It was a high water mark for wrestlers of color, especially African Americans as at the top level of men's college wrestling – Division I – half of the champions were African American, the most in any one single season.  It was historic as much as it was iconic, but for records to be set, there must first be people to do something unique, to do something first, to do something – again - iconic.  This series from Etched in Stone will tell you the in-depth story of Lloyd Keaser – A man who overcame growing up in a segregated community near Baltimore and battled through poverty ad racism on – and off – the mat and through it all, excelled in the classroom and excelled for his country. 

The third John Smith interview is here!  This interview was recorded in October of 2020 at Coach Smith's office, as part of the audio documentary series, The Smiths. We talk about Pat's career, John's loss to Reinoso at the '92 games, and John's coaching career.  Enjoy! *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.

In honor of the Olympic Trials taking place this past weekend, we wanted to release the second of three John Smith interviews. As a reminder, this interview was recorded as part of the audio documentary, The Smiths.  This interview covers the second-half of John's competitive career, as well as John's perspective on Pat's career.    *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.

Bonus episode time!  This episode features the full Mark Branch interview, which was recorded in November of 2020 for The Smiths.  Today, Mark Branch is the head coach at the University of Wyoming, but back in 93/94 he was a redshirt freshman, wrestling for the Cowboys.  Enjoy!   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.

Bonus episode time!  This episode features the full Dan Gable interview, which was recorded in August of 2020 for The Smiths.  Enjoy!   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.  

Bonus episode time!  This episode features the full Pat Smith interview, recorded in October of this past year at Pat's wrestling academy in Arkansas. Please enjoy!   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.  

Bonus episode time!  This episode features the full John Smith interview, recorded in August of this year. We have two additional John Smith interviews that we may release in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, please enjoy!   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.

John leads Oklahoma State through NCAA sanctions, while Pat tries to become wrestling's first four-time, NCAA Division 1 Champion.   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.  

Distracted and exhausted, John makes a run at the 1992 Olympics, while Pat seeks a third-straight NCAA title.   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.  

John becomes a global wrestling superstar but is pushed to the brink of retirement by an unknown Cuban wrestler, Lazaro Reinoso.   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.  

Pat Smith navigates the shark-infested waters of NCAA wrestling, while Oklahoma State is thrown into an NCAA investigation.   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.  

John Smith battles an unlikely foe before making his first run at Olympic Gold.   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.

John Smith suffers a crushing defeat in the 1985 NCAA finals before entering an age of self-discovery.   *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.  

John Smith navigates his freshman year at Oklahoma State, while his older brother, Lee Roy, attempts to make the 1984 Olympic Team.     *** THE SMITHS The Smiths chronicles the rise of wrestling icons, John & Pat Smith, with never-before-seen footage, as well as interviews with more than 30 friends, family and competitors.   *** CREDITS Executive Producers: USA Wrestling; The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Directed, written and produced by Ryan Warner Original score: Gary Lionelli Special thanks to Lee Roy Smith, Rich Bender, Jack Carnefix, Rollie Peterkin (story consultant) and the entire Smith Family.   *** ABOUT THE SERIES Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.  

This is the final installment of the Mark Churella story- The post wrestling career. With the amount of success Churella had as a wrestler, certainly international success would follow.  Perhaps a coaching job. While things don't always happen the way we want them to, for Mark Churella, things always seem to fall into place. Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.

Mark Churella's successful high school career caught the attention of top college wrestling programs around the country and while it wasn't apparent to anyone but him, the only place he was planning on going was to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. Even today, college recruiting pitches can be colorful. Even without the instantaneous technology and communications that we have today, coaches will still try to talk the athlete into believing that their option, where they coach is the best choice. We continue with Chapter 2 of the Churella story. Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.

Etched in Stone are the stories of wrestling's legends, told by wrestlers. The series will take you inside the lives of those inducted into the NWHOF, as they share their never before told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs.  Wrestling is arguably the toughest sport in the world. After you hear about the unparalleled athletic achievements, discipline and commitment of these legends, it will no longer be debatable. A new episode of Etched in Stone launches every Tuesday.

The first story in the Etched in Stone series is Mark Churella, a three-time NCAA Division I champion from the University of Michigan. Few dominated a match like Mark, or came as close to winning four NCAA titles, but what you will find most rewarding about listening to his story is how he used the values passed down by his parents to have one of the most successful careers in NCAA history, and then building a successful business while passing on those same values to his children. Etched in Stone, the stories of wrestling's legends will take you inside the lives of over 170 of the greatest wrestlers in history as they share their never-before-told stories about their trials, tribulations and triumphs, competitors, coaches, teammates, and those who knew these athletes best will also weigh in on their accomplishments with their own unique perspectives.