The History of the MWOA (1952 through 2002)

      On the first day in March of 1952, a group of seven men met in a basement to organize the first wrestling officials association in the area. With a need for officials at MSA matches, and also at local area colleges, The Maryland Wrestling Officials Association was born. Most of the charter members being coaches, created a necessity to expand membership to 13 officials by 1954.

      Charter members included Elmer Bright, President; Bill Anderson, Secretary; Ray Koslowski, Treasurer; Phil Lohrey; Ray Oliver; Ben Kohlhafer and Dan Revie.

      Many members had direct ties to high school and college programs and in turn Ray Koslowski and Ray Oliver became members of the EIWOA and would officiate several NCAA qualifying tournaments.

      As the years progressed, the MWOA's membership began to swell, as did the jurisdictions that they served. By 1964, the membership rose to 34 while servicing the Mason-Dixon Conference and the MSA, along with Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Harford counties.

      In 1970, the MWOA broke away from control by the MSA assigner and claimed its independence. An extremely bold move that would become instrumental in the future development of the MWOA. The first MWOA commissioner, Lee Houghes, was a pioneer in the development of the association as we know it today. He not only implemented a more sophisticated rating system, but also was the catalyst behind better training methods for younger officials and became the initial reason why the MWOA is viewed as a professional organization. He also solicited a larger area to service and helped recruit more officials to accomplish that feat. During his eight year tenure, the MWOA also came into the national spotlight.

      In 1972, Ray Oliver became the first MWOA member to officiate the NCAA Division I Championships. During the decade of the 70's, multiple MWOA members officiated NCAA qualifying tournaments. It was also during this time that the MWOA came to service the entire Eastern Shore of Maryland.

      As time progressed, so did the MWOA. Membership swelled, the service area became enlarged, and the association grew with sophistication. Stricter membership requirements, more thorough training methods, and a very professional mode of operation became the norm for the association due to outstanding leadership.

      The 1980's saw the MWOA, once again, expand on the national stage. Assignments to the Virginia Duals became prevalent. Ed Kelly became the second MWOA member to work the NCAA Division I Championships, on three separate occasions from 1985-87. In 1989, Tom Gaylin officiated the finals of the first NWCA National Team Duals, the first of 13 such assignments.

      The 1990's saw an increase in assignments on a national level. At one point, 6 officials from the MWOA were blowing whistles at the Virginia Duals. In 1992, Tom Gaylin became the third MWOA member to work the NCAA Division I Championships, the first of 11 consecutive times. In 1998, Joe Tauber became the fourth MWOA member to work the nationals; 2002 being his third trip to the big dance. In December of 1999, the MWOA took a giant step in becoming incorporated under the leadership of John Gramiccioni.

      The future holds great things for the MWOA. Today the Maryland Officials Association is servicing 8 county jurisdictions along with Baltimore City and the MIAA. The association also services 4 different junior leagues along with local area colleges and the University of Maryland. The MWOA prides itself on its honesty, integrity, and professionalism and looks forward to the challenge of maintaining its high standards in the future.

      Congratulations to all the gentlemen that had a hand in the development of such a fine organization - quite possible the best officials association from any sport in the entire country!

      Over the first 50 years, the MWOA has had fifteen presidents, six commissioners, and four MPSSAA Rules Interpreters. Six members of the MWOA have been inducted to the MPSSAA Hall of Fame, two members have been inducted to the Maryland Chapter - National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and one member has been inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.