Terry Cochran in Hall of Fame

COLFAX - Terry Cochran, Colfax native, has been recognized, and will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his lifetime service to wrestling.

In a press release from Washington State Chapter Jim Meyerhoff about Cochran and the other members in the Hall of Fame, "These individuals have given countless hours of their time instilling young people with the skills needed to succeed in all areas of life. They will be permanently recognized at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma."

Cochran will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, with the ceremony taking place Saturday, May. 4, in Federal Way, at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Events Center. The event begins at 1 p.m., with the ceremony at 3 p.m.

"I was excited, thrilled and honored when the letter came with the announcement in the mail. It gave me goose bumps to think they thought that I was worthy of this high award," said Cochran.

Cochran has many favorite memories, but one always stuck out more than the others.

"The ones that stick out are officiating over the rival matches between Clarkston and Lewiston. These two meets used to have the stands filled to the max with supporters from both sides. The matches usually took about two hours. It was so loud with enthusiastic cheers that you couldn't hear the buzzer at the end of each round. Having the wrestlers and their families stop me off site and tell me they enjoyed having me for a referee has been the best reward," said Cochran.

"I would like to thank my wife, Nancy Cochran, and family for their support during the wrestling season. Sometimes they got to attend but mostly they just got to stay home and keep the farm going," said Cochran.

As a final note, Cochran said he hopes that young people will come forward to officiate. Although it is not for everyone, Cochran says it can be very rewarding.