Hallman, Massey selected to 2025 Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame class

CRESCO, Iowa --- The Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame on Monday announced the selection of a pair of UNI wrestling alumni to its 2025 induction class. Former Panthers Bob Hallman and Keith Massey are among four total honorees this year, who will be honored at the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame's annual induction ceremony this spring.

Hallman, a high school state champion and three-time medalist at West Des Moines Dowling Catholic in the late 1970s and early 1980s, won 104 career matches from 1981 to 1984 as a Panthers, currently ranking 20th all-time in program history. The winner of 49 career duals, fifth-most in UNI history, Hallman was a two-time NCAA qualifier at 118 pounds, most notably finishing as national runner-up during his senior season in 1984.

A two-time high school state medalist at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Massey qualified for the NCAA Championships twice, first in 1987 at 158 pounds and again the following year at 167 pounds. Following his collegiate career, Massey helped play a pivotal role in turning western Iowa into a wrestling powerhouse coaching youth and high school wrestling, helping develop multiple high school state champions and college All-Americans. He coached Lewis Central to back-to-back traditional and dual state titles in 2000 and 2001, and also saw a record six athletes win state championships in 2001. Massey notably was honored by the Glen Brand Hall of Fame in 2018 with its Russ Smith Community Impact Award.

Hallman and Massey join the late Keith Abens, as well as Perry Hummel and Brad Smith as members of this year's induction class.

The 54th Annual Awards Banquet and Induction Ceremony will be held on April 14 beginning with a 5:30 p.m. CT social hour, followed by a 6:30 p.m. CT banquet at the Heritage Events Center/McAllister's in Cresco, Iowa (229 3rd Avenue West). Banquet tickets are available for purchase at the Cresco Area Chamber of Commerce (563-547-3434). Tickets are $40 and advance registration is requested.

ABOUT THE IOWA WRESTLING HALL OF FAME
The Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame's sole purpose is the promotion of amateur wrestling. With a rich history of honoring native Iowans at the annual awards banquet and induction ceremony, the inaugural banquet was held in 1970. Following the 54th annual awards induction ceremony, the number of inductees will include 152 outstanding individuals signifying their contributions to amateur wrestling. The Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame is located in the Cresco Welcome Center at the intersection of Highway 9 and Elm Street and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more info visit www.iowawrestlinghalloffame.com or Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame on Facebook.

UNI wrestling action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (University of Northern Iowa Wrestling), X (@UNI_wrestling) and on Instagram (@uni_panther_wrestling). Check out the latest Panther news and information online at UNIpanthers.com.

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