April 1, 2010

PITTSBURGH -

Pitt wrestling coach Rande Stottlemyer will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Sunday, April 18 for a Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award. Additionally, Stottlemyer will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame on April 25.

A native of Hermitage, Pa., Stottlemyer is one of 12 former wrestlers, coaches and/or contributors in the 2010 PWCA Hall of Fame class. Stottlemyer will be induced as a wrestler after a stellar career at both the high school and collegiate level.

During his high school career, Stottlemyer was a PIAA State runner-up and two-time Junior National Freestyle Champion. He then continued his wrestling career at Pitt, where he was a four-time NCAA qualifier, a three-time NCAA All-American and the 1976 EWL Champion. He graduated from Pitt in 1978 with a career record of 68-16-2, eventually taking over the program as head coach in 1979.

Stottlemyer, who recently completed his 31st season as Pitt’s head coach, led the Panthers to one of their best seasons in program history in 2009-10, as they won the Eastern Wrestling League Title for the first time since joining the league 35 years ago and saw sophomore Tyler Nauman earn All-America status. The four-time EWL Coach of the Year (2009-10, 2007-09, 1989-90, 1986-87) has coached at least one All-American in 20 of the last 27 years and was inducted into the EWL Hall of Fame in 2008.

Ceremonies for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Chapter will be held on Sunday, April 18 at the Marriott in Cranberry, Pa., while the PWCA Wrestling Hall of Fame banquet will be held on Sunday, April 25 at the Ramada Inn in State College, Pa.