LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Bay County and Georgia prep sports legend Frank Fuder will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame – Florida Chapter as part of the Class of 2025.
Fuder, a longtime coach and educator, will receive the Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award during Honors Weekend, scheduled for Aug. 22–23, at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista near Disney Springs.
The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing leadership and citizenship in youth through the sport of wrestling.
A 1968 graduate of Memphis State University and former semi-pro football player, Fuder took on his first wrestling coaching position in 1972. He coached football, baseball and wrestling at Campbell High School in Smyrna, GA.
“I didn’t know a single thing about the sport of wrestling, but I was an athlete, and I knew how to train,” Fuder said. “So, I got the kids in shape, and the kids taught me how to wrestle. I was willing to learn from my athletes, which I believe was key to finding success early as a coach.”
Fuder was named North Georgia Coach of the Year in 1976 and 1977 during his time at Campbell High School and Osborne High School. Over his nine years coaching in Georgia, he compiled a 53-41-2 dual meet record with 13 state medalists.
In 1981, Frank began teaching and coaching at Bay High, where he coached football, wrestling and cross country. His Florida dual meet record was 194-41-2, with 25 state medalists and multiple state champions.
He led Bay to four regional titles, seven district titles, 12 county championships, 60 state qualifiers, 31 placers, nine runners-up, six champions and six top-10 team finishes. He was named Northwest Florida Coach of the Year four times.
Fuder retired from coaching in 1999, and teaching in 2008. He returned in 2013-2017 to help his son start North Bay Havens wrestling program.
For tickets and event details, visit https://nwhoffl.ticketspice.com/25fl.
Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay High coaching legend Frank Fuder to be inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame
Reporting by Banji Bamidele, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
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