Order of Merit: Van Stokes

Van Stokes has dedicated over four decades to growing and advancing the sport of wrestling across the United States and around the world. A tireless advocate, leader, broadcaster, and mentor, Stokes has made a profound impact on USA Wrestling, the U.S. Armed Forces, and the broader athletic community.

Originally selected by the U.S. Army to serve on the USA Wrestling Board of Directors in 1989, Stokes represented the Armed Forces until his federal retirement in 2014. He has continued to serve on the board ever since, as chairman of the Greco-Roman Sport Committee and now as an At-Large member. Over eight Olympic quads, he held numerous leadership roles, including treasurer, second vice president, and secretary, and served on more than a dozen USA Wrestling committees shaping policy, ethics, and strategy.

Stokes served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era before earning his master’s in sports administration from Ohio University. From 1976–85, he coordinated sports programs for U.S. soldiers in Europe, and later became sports director at Fort Campbell, where he established the All-Army wrestling team’s permanent home and developed the Armed Forces Wrestling Championships.

From 1988 to 2010, Stokes led U.S. wrestling delegations at international events including the World Military Championships, Pan Am Games, World Cups, and tournaments in Cuba, France, Iran, and Russia. He also contributed to the sport as a broadcaster and producer, covering events on ESPN, TBS, and at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He currently serves as the longtime voice of Austin Peay State University football and baseball.

Beyond wrestling, Stokes has served on the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation Board, chaired the Clarksville YMCA, and led leadership development efforts within the military and YMCA organizations.

For his decades of visionary leadership, global impact, and enduring service to the sport, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame proudly honors Van Stokes with the 2025 Order of Merit.