Representative Torrey Westrom inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Representative Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) recently was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Many people are familiar with Canton, Ohio, which is where the National Football Hall of Fame is located. Fewer people are familiar with The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, which is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Each year, state chapters, including Minnesota, choose a few nominees to induct into the hall of fame. Included among those members is a nominee for the Medal of Courage. This medal is awarded to inductees who were wrestlers and have overcome challenges in their personal life.

“I am truly humbled by this honor that was bestowed upon me last weekend,” said Rep. Westrom. “This is an incredible honor and I would like to thank fellow members of the Minnesota hall of fame chapter for this distinguished honor.”

Rep. Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) said, “Attorney, businessman and legislator Torrey Westrom has excelled at whatever he’s pursued. This year’s ‘Courage Award’ winner is an outstanding example of discipline, intelligence, work ethic and achievement. He is proof that a person should not let adversity keep you down. Success can result from finding opportunities inside life’s challenges, believing in yourself, and having the courage to pursue one’s dreams.”

Rep. Dettmer was a national champion wrestler who was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003.

Spencer Yohe is the current president of the Minnesota chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and formerly the wrestling coach at Hancock High School.

At age 14, in 1987, Westrom lost his eyesight in a car accident. At 6’1” in 8th grade he had been a basketball player until his accident. After losing his eyesight, he was encouraged by the high school wrestling coach McNamar to try wrestling. As a sophomore he joined the West Central High School wrestling team.

He recalls winning the Most Valuable Wrestler award at the Lake Park Tournament in 1990 as one of his fondest wrestling memories.

In 1995, Westrom graduated from Bemidji State University and was elected as a legislator a year later in 1996 at the age of 23. When he accepted his induction award, Westrom spoke about “seeds of courage,” referring to people in his life who have been a positive encouragement, inspiration or motivator in his life.

Rep. Westrom added, “It is important for all of us to remember those who have been a great influence to us at a time in our life. The real challenge is to be that encouragement or inspiration to someone else when we have that opportunity ourselves, and plant a ‘seed’.”

Rep. Westrom routinely meets at the Capitol with disability groups and youth who are facing a disability and serves as a mentor to them.

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