Gary Abbott Receives Order of Merit honor from the Hall of Fame

6/6/2021

Director of Communications and Special Projects for USA Wrestling, Gary Abbott was honored with the Order of Merit by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Since 1988, Gary Abbott has served as the media face of USA Wrestling, traveling to major wrestling events in the United States and around the globe, including eight Olympic Games, dozens of senior and age-group World Championships and 38 straight NCAA Championships.

For decades, Abbott has been a pioneer in building women’s wrestling, including creating a national girls’ high school wrestling poll and helping women’s wrestling receive emerging sport status from the NCAA. He has promoted the growth of wrestling by providing coverage for all of wrestling’s disciplines. He manages USA Wrestling’s Associated Styles program, including grappling and beach wrestling. Gary has been instrumental in the growth of the Cadet and Junior National Championship events.

For a lifetime of dedication to chronicling, promoting and supporting the sport of wrestling on every level, Gary Abbott was honored with the Order of Merit by The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, as part of the class of 2021.