Academics

Rhoades inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Lloyd Rhoades, manager of Central Services at Penn State's Office of Physical Plant (OPP), recently was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Rhoades was honored along with seven others for their lifetime service to the sport of wrestling. The formal ceremony was held in Harrisburg on Sunday, April 15, at the Hilton Hotel. For more than 40 years, Rhoades gained stature in the sport of wrestling thanks to his vigorous coaching style and leadership. Serving in a variety of positions, including head coach of the Bald Eagle Area Elementary program, tournament director, secretary-treasurer of Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling, and chief business officer for the statewide organization, Rhoades has served his sport well.

Rhoades'  mentor, the legendary coach Joe Humphreys, also was honored at the ceremony.

"I wrestled not for the school or the institution, I wrestled for Joe Humphreys," Rhoades said. That’s the kind of impact a coach has on you. Rhoades was inspired by Humphrey to become a top-notch  wrestling referee, and he has trained and influenced thousands of young wrestlers. Rhoades also initiated Pennsylvania's participation in the National United Wrestling Association for Youth, and helped to expand the national coverage of, provided administrative structure for, the organization.

Rhoades first became involved with wrestling in elementary school. He was inspired by his older brother’s wrestling achievements at Bald Eagle High School. In the sixth grade, Rhoades began wrestling under the guidance of Humphreys. He started coaching in the 10th grade, when an accident in the gym suddenly thrust him into a leadership role, and he has never looked back. His passion for the sport of wrestling is supported by his entire family and both his sons were competitive wrestlers.

In 1978, he organized the Bald Eagle Elementary Wrestling Club and remained head coach until 2001. Rhoades' enthusiastic coaching featured helpful vocalizations which could be heard throughout the gym, if not the entire county. He has officiated District 6 Championships and has been the Chief Financial Officer of Pa. Junior Wrestling since 1994.

Rhoades' dynamic style and coaching heritage is evident in his daily work at the Office of Physical Plant. In his role, he provides strong leadership and helpful guidance to all his crews. He is responsible for managing many campus services, everything from landscaping to locks and masonry. Rhoades also serves as the University's "snow marshall" and is responsible for wrestling with Jack Frost whenever major snow storms hit the campus. The extraordinary success of OPP snow removal crews partly stems from Rhoades' wrestling heritage. His helpful vocalizations may be more gentle now, but his coaching guidance is as strong as ever.  When Penn State declares a "Midnight Clear" next winter and parking lots are cleared with the efficiency of a championship wrestler, there is a reason.

Lloyd Rhoades, manager of Central Services in Penn State's Office of Physical Plant, delivered his acceptance speech at his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Credit: Paul Ruskin / Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated January 9, 2015

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