Virginia Wrestling Honors Legends: Castle, Hoden, Jenkins, McHenry, Pierson, and Stefanko for Decades of Service, Championship Legacy, and Global Impact

January 27, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 26, 2026

The Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will celebrate the incredible contributions of six distinguished individuals in the world of wrestling at the 2026 Awards Ceremony on April 11th in Glen Allen, VA.

These individuals have devoted their lives to the sport, shaping the future of Virginia wrestling and making an impact on a global scale.

The following honorees will be recognized for their unparalleled service, coaching excellence, officiating expertise, and far-reaching contributions to both the sport and society.

Steve Castle – A Lifetime of Excellence in Education and Coaching

Steve Castle’s legacy is one of enduring commitment to wrestling and education.

With over four decades of service as an educator and coach at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Castle built one of Virginia’s premier independent school wrestling programs.

His leadership led to 225 dual meet victories, numerous state championships, and a lasting impact on both the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) and Virginia’s broader wrestling community.

Under his guidance, Episcopal’s wrestling team earned 9 state trophies, including two 2nd place finishes, 34 league championships, and reached the state finals 33 times.

Castle continues to contribute to the sport as an assistant wrestling coach at Episcopal, furthering his legacy as a coach who built both champions on and off the mat.

Castle’s academic contributions are just as impressive. A graduate of Washington and Lee University, Castle is also the Environmental Sustainability Coordinator at Episcopal, where he teaches physics and advocates for sustainable practices in schools.

Tim Hoden – A Storied Officiating Career

For more than 30 years, Tim Hoden has been a cornerstone in Virginia’s officiating community.

He has officiated at over 10 VHSL State Tournaments and more than 30 district and regional events, including NCWA Regionals, the Hokie Open, and numerous college duals.

Hoden’s influence extends beyond the mat, as he has served as Commissioner of the Colonial Officials Association, shaping the next generation of officials in Virginia.

His leadership and dedication to fair play have been integral to the sport’s continued growth at all levels, from high school to national championships.

Greg Jenkins – Over Four Decades of Officiating and Coaching

Greg Jenkins’ 42-year career in officiating has spanned hundreds of tournaments and duals, making him one of Virginia’s most respected figures in the wrestling community.

With over 75 district tournaments, 70 regional tournaments, and 24 VHSL State Championships under his belt, Jenkins has had a profound influence on both the sport and its athletes.

A former state champion for Manassas Park High School in 1978, Jenkins has not only officiated but also built lasting relationships through coaching and federation leadership.

His dedication has helped countless athletes reach new heights both in the sport and in life.

Emmitt McHenry – A Wrestling Legacy that Changed the World

Emmitt McHenry’s career transcends wrestling.

A standout high school wrestler and University of Denver scholarship athlete, McHenry later co-created the .com domain name system, revolutionizing the internet and global communication.

As the founder of Network Solutions, he helped shape the modern internet, making it accessible to the public.

His work in technology and his discipline from wrestling have earned him recognition as a trailblazer who changed the world both on the mat and in the digital realm.

Tim Pierson – Bringing Excellence from the U.S. Marines to Wrestling Officiating

Tim Pierson’s 40 years of service in the U.S. Marines provided him with the experience and leadership skills that he brought to wrestling officiating at the highest levels.

His career has included officiating at multiple World Championships, Olympic Team Trials, and numerous national and international events.

Pierson’s career exemplifies dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence in everything he does, whether on the mat or in service to his country.

Mike Stefanko – Building Championship Programs and a Legacy of Integrity

Mike Stefanko’s 34-year coaching career spans multiple schools, including Meadowbrook, Clover Hill, and Cosby High Schools, where he built championship-caliber wrestling programs.

Stefanko’s impressive 523–177–1 dual meet record includes 7 Dominion District championships, 2 Conference 3 titles, and 34 district champions.

His emphasis on integrity, mentorship, and hard work has produced 17 All-State wrestlers and 8 state champions, making him one of Virginia’s most respected and successful high school coaches.

Stefanko’s dedication to wrestling has been integral to the success of numerous athletes, and his reputation for building strong, values-driven programs has left a lasting mark on the sport.

These individuals exemplify the values of wrestling: courage, discipline, and hard work.

They have all dedicated their lives to the growth and development of Virginia’s wrestling community, shaping the lives of countless athletes and officials.

The Virginia Wrestling Hall of Fame will honor them for their outstanding achievements at the 2026 Awards Ceremony, where the Virginia wrestling community will gather to celebrate their incredible legacies.

Community look forward to celebrating these legends of Virginia wrestling and continuing the tradition of excellence they’ve helped build.

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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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