WHEREAS, Larry Hall, a former wrestler, wrestling coach, referee, and tournament organizer, has served young people throughout the Roanoke Valley and the Commonwealth for more than 60 years; and

WHEREAS, Larry Hall began his wrestling career as a sophomore at Roanoke's Northside High School and subsequently competed with the Appalachian State University wrestling team for all four years of his college career; and

WHEREAS, Larry Hall officiated his first high school wrestling match when he was a junior in college and later returned to Northside High School as head wrestling coach; during his 13-year career at his alma mater, he also coached the golf, freshman football, track and field, and tennis teams; and

WHEREAS, Larry Hall later worked at William Fleming High School, James River High School, and Botetourt Technical Education Center, then served as director of operations for Botetourt County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Larry Hall returned to officiating after retiring as a coach; he worked as a referee for local high school wrestling matches, as well as for larger events like the Southern Conference Wrestling Championship and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III regional tournament; and

WHEREAS, in 1987, Larry Hall became the director of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 1 state tournament, and after three years of able leadership, he guided efforts to combine the Class 1 and Class 2 tournaments and relocate the event to the Salem Civic Center; and

WHEREAS, Larry Hall ensured the smooth and efficient operation of VHSL wrestling state tournaments at the Salem Civic Center for the next 31 years, including a period where four classes of tournaments were held over the same weekend, and earned the gratitude and admiration of wrestling coaches, staff members, and student-athletes throughout the region; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Larry Hall also served as director of the Titan Toughman, Big Orange, and VHSL Region 3D wrestling tournaments, and he coordinated an NCAA Division III national championship tournament in Roanoke; and

WHEREAS, Larry Hall worked with the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Association to raise money to support college scholarships for student-athletes, and he was a charter member of the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, known as "Mr. Wrestling" in Southwest Virginia, Larry Hall retired as a wrestling tournament director in February 2022 but plans to continue supporting young athletes in the region; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Larry Hall hereby be commended for his outstanding contributions to high school and college wrestling in the Roanoke Valley as a coach, referee, and tournament director; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Larry Hall as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his achievements in service to young people.