HALL OF FAME: Rosewood's Edmundson to receive honor for contribution to wrestling

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 21, 2017 1:45 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

CHAPEL HILL -- Rosewood penned another historic chapter in wrestling this past winter, but it's not quite done.

An extra page will be written today.

Eagles head coach Bill Edmundson is slated for enshrinement into the 2017 N.C. Wrestling Hall of Fame -- a chapter of the prestigious national Hall of Fame located in Stillwater, Okla.

"I was really humbled by it because that's something that very few people get to be a part of it," Edmundson said. "Looking at the names on that (list) from the North Carolina chapter, I'm just kind of blown away that I would even be considered for that."

Joining Edmundson in this year's 15th class of inductees are referee Phil Mueller, Bill Bookout, Jack Southern, Bill Wheeler and "Outstanding American" Will Murdock.

The celebration takes place today at The Friday Center on the University of North Carolina campus.

The group has been selected for recognition for their countless years of commitment as positive role models to student-athletes. They've selflessly given numerous hours of their time instilling in young people the skills needed to succeed in all areas of life. They'll become permanent members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater -- the mecca of collegiate and high school grappling.

Edmundson's nomination came from Martin Fleming, the original creator of The Takedown Report -- a publication that highlights the top wrestlers and programs in eastern North Carolina. Since 2002, Edmundson and Premier Productions -- his personal company -- has filmed several N.C. High School Athletic Association championship events for TV including the state finals for PBS for the past 10-plus years.

Fleming and N.C. Hall of Famer Milt Sherman (Class of 2004) did the voice overs for those productions.

"I'm pretty sure Martin played a part," Edmundson said of his induction nomination.

Edmundson has molded his program into one of North Carolina's best on a regional and state level. He's amassed nearly 650 dual-team wins, which ranks him among the state's top-five winningest coaches along with Sherman and Jerry Winterton (2003).

Just four months ago, Rosewood defended its NCHSAA 1-A individual state team title. Jordan Todd and Cameron Helt emerged as the fourth and fifth individual state champions in program history. The duo joins former state title-holders Nick Quillen, Kaleb Taylor and Tim Decatur -- who have combined to win five crowns.

"Expectations are that you continue to do what you've been doing," Edmundson said. "It all has to do with the personnel that you have, too. I want to give credit where credit is due because you're successful because of the people that you surround yourself with.

"It's a cumulative effort. I'm just along for the ride. I don't want it to be about me. I wish it was the program that got nominated and not just Bill Edmundson."