VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - TelAve -- Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Announces Dr. Talena Williams and John Swartz to Board of Directors

Virginia Beach, Va. – The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Talena Williams and John Swartz to its Board of Directors.

Both Williams and Swartz were previously recognized by the Virginia Chapter with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award.

"Talena and John represent the very best of what wrestling stands for," said Dr. Karl Spinnenweber, President of the Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. "Their commitment to serving athletes, coaches, officials, and wrestling families has strengthened our sport for decades."

Dr. Talena Williams

A nationally respected athletic trainer, physician assistant, and healthcare executive, Dr. Talena Williams has devoted nearly three decades to protecting the health and safety of wrestlers. She has served as head athletic trainer for the Virginia High School League State Wrestling Championships since 1997, helped develop Virginia's wrestling weight management guidelines, and was one of four medical directors for Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Her career also includes serving as Vice President of Clinical Operations at The Steadman Clinic and helping develop concussion protocols adopted across contact sports.

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A lifelong member of Virginia's wrestling community, Williams grew up in the Grundy wrestling tradition and has remained an advocate for the sport through her medical expertise, leadership, and commitment to athlete safety.

John Swartz

For more than two decades, John Swartz has been one of the driving forces behind wrestling in Virginia. Best known as Co-Director of the Virginia Duals, Swartz has helped oversee one of the nation's premier high school and college wrestling events while also serving as coach, administrator, mentor, and volunteer throughout the Peninsula wrestling community.

His service includes leadership roles with the Peninsula Wrestling Association, Peninsula Youth Wrestling League, Virginia Wrestling Association, and Virginia Duals, along with coaching tenures at Smithfield High School and youth wrestling programs. He also played a key role in developing tournament management procedures, improving weight management policies, and enhancing wrestler safety throughout Virginia.

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Continuing the Mission

As members of the Board of Directors, Williams and Swartz will help guide the Virginia Chapter's efforts to honor excellence in wrestling, preserve the sport's rich history, and recognize those whose leadership and service inspire future generations.

The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Virginians whose achievements and lifetime contributions have positively impacted wrestling and the lives of athletes throughout the Commonwealth.

Media Contact
Jack Clark
Virginia Chapter, National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
https://nwhof.org/state-chapters/virginia