As Adopted by the House
135th General Assembly
Regular Session H. R. No. 293
2023-2024
Representative Jones
A RESOLUTION
Honoring John W. Stephenson on his 2023 induction into
the Ohio Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the 135th 1
General Assembly of Ohio are pleased to congratulate John W. 2
Stephenson on being inducted into the Ohio Chapter of the National 3
Wrestling Hall of Fame; and 4
WHEREAS, This prestigious distinction is, indeed, a fitting 5
tribute to John Stephenson for his numerous contributions to the sport 6
of wrestling. A 1969 graduate of Waynesburg High School, he competed 7
under Coach Ernie Closser, and he went on to wrestle at Fairmont State 8
University, where he earned varsity letters all four years as well as 9
NAIA All-American Honors. Commencing his teaching and coaching career 10
at Cadiz High School in the Harrison Hills City School District, he 11
helped grow the fledgling wrestling program over fifteen years, 12
amassing a 142-18-2 record and winning the 1987 State Championship 13
title. In addition, he received numerous accolades, including the 1987 14
Ohio Division III Coach of the Year Award as well as having the 15
Harrison Central Junior/Senior High School Multipurpose Building 16
renamed the John W. Stephenson Center in his honor; and 17
WHEREAS, John Stephenson is a remarkable individual, for he has 18
combined talent and competitive spirit with the highest ideals of good 19
sportsmanship to shine as an athlete, a coach, and a role model. 20
Clearly, he has shared his passion for wrestling throughout the whole 21
of his life, and he is certainly deserving of high praise for setting 22
an example for others to aspire to; and 23
WHEREAS, John Stephenson’s outstanding record of personal and 24
professional success stands as a hallmark worthy of emulation, and he 25
has inspired countless people to excel in numerous areas. The respect 26
H. R. No. 293 Page 2
As Adopted by the House
and admiration he has earned throughout his lifetime are evident in 27
his selection for this honor, and his accomplishments and leadership 28
are a justifiable source of pride for him, his family, and his 29
community; therefore be it 30
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the House of Representatives of 31
the 135th General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, 32
commend John W. Stephenson on his induction into the Ohio Chapter of 33
the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and salute him as one of Ohio’s 34
finest citizens; and be it further 35
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit 36
a duly authenticated copy of this Resolution to John W. Stephenson. 37