I myself was a wrestler at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville and know the hard work and dedication each participant has put in to gain the opportunity to represent their school.
This year also marks the 50 years of African-American success in collegiate wrestling. I had the opportunity to join many great wrestlers including: Simon Roberts, Kenny Monday, Charles Tribble, Robert Pickens, Michial Foy and many others. These individuals have won NCAA championships, olympic medals, and been All-Americans. They have inspired many young people to start wrestling and find success. It was truly a humbling experience to be surrounded by some of the most talented wrestlers in the United States and have the opportunity to join in celebrating their legacy and contributions to the sport of wrestling
The Board of Aldermen passed the following resolution in commemoration of this year's events.
2008 NCAA Wrestling Championship
WHEREAS, wrestling is one of the world’s oldest sports and has helped develop many generations of successful individuals through dedication, commitment and perseverance to the sport; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis is honored to welcome people from across the United States of America to enjoy their experience in our city; and
WHEREAS , the City of St. Louis is proud to join the college wrestling community in commemorating 50 years of African-American success on the mat; and
WHEREAS, in 1957, Simon Roberts from the University of Iowa became the first African-American NCAA Wrestling Champion. Since then, 45 other African-Americans have joined him at the top of the podium; and
WHEREAS, African-Americans have won national, world and Olympic wrestling medals and become successful coaches and officials; and
WHEREAS, wrestling ranks among the most successful individual sports in medals won by black athletes at NCAA Championships and in Olympic competition; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis that we pause in our deliberations to recognize the Champions and All-Americans that are here today and salute the student-athletes and coaches who throughout the past century have inspired young African-Americans and paved the way for their success in life and we further direct the Clerk of this Board to spread a copy of this Resolution across the minutes of these proceedings and to prepare a commemorative copy to the end that it may be presented to our honoree at a time and place deemed appropriate by the Sponsor.
Introduced on the 17th day of March, 2008 by:
Honorable Stephen J. Conway, Alderman 8th Ward
Honorable Lewis E. Reed, PresidentSt. LouisCity Board of Aldermen
Honorable Bennice Jones-King, Alderwoman 21st Ward
