Congratulations to MNUSAW's Bill Hinchley and Luke Becker! - 2012 MWCA Dave Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductees!

Bill Hinchley, Contributor

Bill has been a member of the Minnesota U.S.A. Wrestling organization for more than 20 years. He has served as President and C.E.O. since 1993. His willingness to volunteer has enabled Minnesota wrestlers to improve and excel in Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Folkstyle wrestling. Because of Bill’s leadership, Minnesota-U.S.A. wrestling is one of the top amateur state wrestling organizations in the country. He helps organize, direct, and often serves as head official for local, state, regional, and national events in U.S.A. wrestling. He accompanies Minnesota wrestling teams all over the country at regional and national tournaments at Schoolboy, Cadet, Junior, and Senior tournaments each summer. Bill has received several awards on the state and national level for being an outstanding director and official, including the 2007 U.S.A. Wrestling Mat Official of the year. In his community, Bill was one of the founders of the Owatonna Wrestling Association, and has spent thousands of hours volunteering as announcer, official, and director of many Owatonna tournaments over the years. The Hinchley Open in Owatonna was named in his honor. Bills’ wife is Genelle, and they have three children; Brian, Bruce, and Gretchen.

Luke Becker, Athlete

Luke wrestled for Cambridge-Isanti High School. He was a five-time state placewinner, placing 4th in 1994, 3rd in 1995, then earning 3 Minnesota state titles. (135 lbs. in 1996, 145 lbs. in 1997, and 152 lbs. in 1998. He helped his team win two section titles, and they placed 6th in state in 1994 and 5th in state in 1998. He was also a member of two section runner-up teams in the always competitive Section 7. Luke’s high school record was 210-29, and was Minnesota’s wins leader at the time.

Luke continued his wrestling success at the University of Minnesota, becoming a 4-time All-American, including a national title in 2002 at 157 lbs.. He was also a member of the Gopher National Championship teams of 2001 and 2002, along with being a member on 3 Big Ten Championship teams from 2001-2003. He was a Big Ten Conference champion in 2002 and 2003. Luke finished his collegiate career with a 126-29 record, (10th best at the U).

In the 70-plus years of Minnesota’s amateur wrestling only 8 wrestlers have attended a Minnesota High School and then proceeded to win a NCAA title. Luke joined a very elite group that includes former Minnesota Gophers Dick Mueller, Evan Johnson, Pat Neu, Marty Morgan, and recently Jason Ness. Two other athletes, James Kammen and Joel Sharratt also attended a Minnesota High School and won a national title outside of Minnesota. Luke’s accomplishments have only been achieved by a handful of young athletes, and it speaks volumes to Luke’s abilities. He was a solid wrestler in all positions, and he will long be regarded as one of Minnesota’s finest ever.Upon graduating from the University with a degree in Educational Psychology/Youth Studies, Luke has served as an assistant coach for the Gophers.

Luke’s wife’s name is Christa, and they have a daughter named Brittlyn.

Thanks much to Jeff Beshey @ theGuillotine.com for content and picture! For more information on the 2012 MWCA Dave Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and inductees please see http://theguillotine.com/wp/?p=7067