Arno Niemand, a 1956 Cornell graduate, will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, it was announced this week.
Niemand has been chosen as the 2009 inductee for the Order of Merit. He will be joined by Distinguished Members Pete Blair, Ed Eichelberger, Les Gutches and Dennis Koslowski; Outstanding American Steve Silver; Medal of Courage Larry Gibson; and Lifetime Achievement for Officials Chuck Yagla, and will be inducted during Honors Weekend on June 5-6 in Stillwater, Okla.
The eight honorees mark the 33rd class since the Hall of Fame began operations in 1976.
The Order of Merit is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of wrestling, other than success as an athlete or coach. The winner is selected by a vote of the Distinguished Members of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Niemand wrestled at Cornell from 1952-54 and was a varsity starter at 137 pounds, where he helped the Big Red to place second at the EIWA tournament and third at the NCAAs in 1953. Throughout his life, Niemand has continued to support the sport of wrestling, and in 2008 received the FILA Gold Star, which is the highest award given to an individual by the world governing body of wrestling. He was also inducted into the Cornell Hall of Distinguished Wrestling Alumni as part of the 2006-07 class.
In 1960, he began to work for Niemand Industries where soon after he served as President and CEO. In 1990, he founded Body Bar Systems, which sells fitness products worldwide. His company was the pioneer sponsor of the Women’s National Team that competed in the Olympic Games in 2004.
Body Bar International also sponsors annual collegiate wrestling tournaments, including the Big Red’s Body Bar Invitational held each November.
Niemand has contributed major resources to several elite national and local youth clubs around the country. Niemand has also supported the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s educational program Building Leaders for Life and the College Sports Councils advocacy against the consequences of Title IX interpretations on the sport of wrestling.
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