USA Wrestling leader Art Martori to receive 2016 Alumni Service Award from his alma mater Arizona State
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by Mollie Hanke, Arizona State and other sources
TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State wrestling alum ('65) and long-time program supporter Art Martori will receive the 2016 Alumni Service Award as part of annual homecoming festivities. His contributions to the sport, especially at Arizona State, span over five decades.
"Art's vision and impact have made a large impact on the sport of wrestling. His knowledge, broad perspectives, and personal standards have been invaluable for Sun Devil wrestling and for student-athletes," says head coach Zeke Jones.
Martori previously served as President of USA Wrestling (1992-94) during which the team won its first World team title in freestyle wrestling. He has also served as the U.S. Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team Leader.
In order to give back to up-and-coming young wrestlers, Martori started Sunkist Kids in 1976 to give opportunities, resources, and funding for U.S. Olympic hopefuls. The Sunkist Kids developed into one of the world’s greatest wrestling clubs. Over the past 34 years, the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club has produced more Olympic, World and U.S. National Champions than any other elite wrestling club in the United States. To date, the Sunkist Kids have 55 Olympic and World Medals, and 164 National Champions.
As a student-athlete, Martori won the Western Athletic Conference title in 1965.
He is a member of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame and was awarded the Gold Star by UWW, the international governing body of wrestling. He is also a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
"Sun Devil wrestling is privileged to count Art Martori among our friends, and we are proud to count him among our alumni. He helps to provide well-prepared student-athletes and to inspire competitors of character. Art sets the bar high and motivates others to reach higher still," Jones continues.
The Alumni Service Award recognizes distinguished, exemplary, and extraordinary service to Arizona State University and the Alumni Association by an alumnus/alumna. This is among the highest honors that can be awarded to an Arizona State alumnus, a university which has produced Nobel Prize winners, inventors, CEO, government leaders and many other champions of society.
The award will be presented during halftime at ASU's Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 22 vs. Washington State at 7 p.m.
"Art's vision and impact have made a large impact on the sport of wrestling. His knowledge, broad perspectives, and personal standards have been invaluable for Sun Devil wrestling and for student-athletes," says head coach Zeke Jones.
Martori previously served as President of USA Wrestling (1992-94) during which the team won its first World team title in freestyle wrestling. He has also served as the U.S. Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team Leader.
In order to give back to up-and-coming young wrestlers, Martori started Sunkist Kids in 1976 to give opportunities, resources, and funding for U.S. Olympic hopefuls. The Sunkist Kids developed into one of the world’s greatest wrestling clubs. Over the past 34 years, the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club has produced more Olympic, World and U.S. National Champions than any other elite wrestling club in the United States. To date, the Sunkist Kids have 55 Olympic and World Medals, and 164 National Champions.
As a student-athlete, Martori won the Western Athletic Conference title in 1965.
He is a member of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame and was awarded the Gold Star by UWW, the international governing body of wrestling. He is also a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
"Sun Devil wrestling is privileged to count Art Martori among our friends, and we are proud to count him among our alumni. He helps to provide well-prepared student-athletes and to inspire competitors of character. Art sets the bar high and motivates others to reach higher still," Jones continues.
The Alumni Service Award recognizes distinguished, exemplary, and extraordinary service to Arizona State University and the Alumni Association by an alumnus/alumna. This is among the highest honors that can be awarded to an Arizona State alumnus, a university which has produced Nobel Prize winners, inventors, CEO, government leaders and many other champions of society.
The award will be presented during halftime at ASU's Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 22 vs. Washington State at 7 p.m.
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