Rockville Centre's Coach Davey to enter National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Former South Side High School wrestling coach and teacher Mike Davey will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be held at the Melville Marriott on April 29.

A second generation member of a well known and respected wrestling family, Davey has spent his entire life contributing to the sport of wrestling.

A high school and college wrestler, Davey’s wrestling and coaching accomplishments were enhanced when he instituted and operated pre-teen wrestling programs for kids from five separate schools. He created the Cyclone Wrestling Club for junior and senior high school students, introducing them to free style and off-season tournaments. As a special project, he also published a book about South Side wrestling. He then created several team scholarships for athletes who had come through his programs.

During his 35 years at South Side High School, he produced five County Champions — four of whom became “All-State” wrestlers. Davey’s South Side teams won more than 200 dual meets, turning around years of weak performances. His teams accounted for six league championships. For these accomplishments, Davey was inducted into South Side’s Hall of Fame.

Coach Davey isn’t through with wrestling just yet. Look for him in the movie “Win Win,” starring Paul Giamatti. In the last wrestling match in the movie, Davey played the part of the referee.

For more information about his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, call (516) 804-8676 or visit www.FOLIW.com.