Etched In Stone Podcast featuring seven-time National Champion Gray Simons launched on Wednesday
by Jack Carnefix, National Wrestling Hall of Fame
STILLWATER, Okla. – The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and USA Wrestling are excited to announce that their Etched In Stone - Stories of Wrestling Legends podcast featuring Gray Simons will launch on Wednesday at etchedinstonepodcast.com.
During his four years of collegiate competition at Lock Haven University, Simons entered seven national tournaments. He won all seven, and six times was voted outstanding wrestler of the event. Simons was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 1978.
The four-episode series is narrated and was produced by Hall of Fame wrestling writer, broadcaster and announcer Jason Bryant, who conducted extensive interviews with Simons and others who have been a part of his journey. Bryant previously hosted and produced the EIS podcasts featuring Distinguished Members Mark Churella and Lloyd Keaser.
In addition to etchedinstonepodcast.com, Episode I will also be available through Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
In addition to Churella, Keaser and Simons, podcasts featuring Distinguished Members Lee Kemp, John Smith and Pat Smith are also available. The Hall of Fame and USA Wrestling will continue to develop future EIS podcasts on Distinguished Members.
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.
Simons 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.
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.
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 protégés were two NCAA champions and several All-Americans.
The EIS series was created by 1976 NCAA wrestling champion Pat Christenson, who was honored as an Outstanding American by the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007.
National Wrestling Hall of Fame & MuseumAmerica’s shrine to the sport of wrestling, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1976 to honor the sport of wrestling, preserve its history, recognize extraordinary individual achievements, and inspire future generations. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame has museums in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Waterloo, Iowa. The Stillwater, Oklahoma, location reopened in June 2016 following a $3.8 million renovation and now features interactive exhibits and electronic kiosks, as well as the opportunity to watch NCAA Championship matches from the 1930s to present day. It also has the John T. Vaughan Hall of Honors where the greatest names in wrestling are recognized, including iconic granite plaques presented to Distinguished Members since the Hall of Fame opened in 1976. The museum has the largest collection of wrestling artifacts and memorabilia in the world, including the most collegiate and Olympic wrestling uniforms. Wrestling truly is for everyone and the diversity and accessibility of the sport continues to be highlighted through exhibits featuring females, African-Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Latino Americans. There is also a library featuring historical documents, including NCAA guides and results, as well as books on the sport. For more information about the Hall of Fame, please visit www.NWHOF.org