Delaware Wrestling Hall of Fame to Honor Five Legends This Fall

The Delaware Wrestling Hall of Fame will welcome five remarkable figures into its ranks on October 16. A 7 p.m. banquet at the Chase Center will mark the main ceremony, preceded by a 5 p.m. unveiling at the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame across the street at Frawley Stadium. Admission is $50; tickets are available via the event website.

2026 Inductees Overview

Among the new honorees are four former state champions and a driving force behind the Beast of the East tournament. Their achievements span high‑school glory, college success, and lasting contributions to the sport. Each profile below highlights the milestones that merit this recognition.

Paul Antonio – Hall of Fame Honoree

Paul Antonio amassed three state titles for William Penn, capturing the 160‑pound crowns in 1989 and 1991 and the 171‑pound championship in 1990. As a freshman he placed third at 152 pounds, and he later became a national high‑school runner‑up. Antonio continued his wrestling career at Clarion, where he earned two NCAA Tournament berths, started all four seasons, and claimed the 1996 Eastern Wrestling League 158‑pound title.

Michael Axe – Medical Contributor

Dr. Michael Axe served as the head physician for the Beast of the East Tournament and is credited with guiding its expansion into one of the nation’s premier high‑school events. His orthopedic expertise helped ensure athlete safety as the competition grew in size and intensity. Axe’s dedication to the sport extends beyond the clinic, influencing the tournament’s reputation for high‑level competition.

Randy Brown – Dominent Dualist

Randy Brown secured back‑to‑back state titles for Laurel at 98 pounds in 1984 and 119 pounds in 1985. After transferring to neighboring Delmar, he added championships at 126 pounds (junior year) and 132 pounds (senior year). Brown compiled a 101‑2 career record, remained unbeaten for his final three seasons, and earned three Henlopen Conference crowns.

Brent Fleetwood – Smyrna Legend

Brent Fleetwood built a standout career at Smyrna, capturing four state titles across shifting weight classes. He won the 103‑pound crown in 2011, the 106‑pound belt after 2012 weight changes, then secured victories at 113 and 120 pounds in his final two seasons. Fleetwood finished his high‑school tenure with a 160‑18 record and added a Beast of the East 113‑pound title as a junior, followed by a runner‑up finish at 120 pounds as a senior. He also claimed the USA Wrestling National Cadet freestyle championship before continuing to Central Michigan and North Dakota State, where he posted an 83‑45 collegiate record, qualified for three NCAA tournaments, and earned a 2019 Big 12 runner‑up finish at 125 pounds.

William Penn’s Kanamti Solomon – Multinational Star

Kanamti Solomon earned the 103‑pound state championship as a senior in 1990, after placing third as a junior. He also captured USA Wrestling National Cadet titles in both freestyle and Greco‑Roman competition in 1989. Solomon later represented Delaware State, consistently wrestling around 105 pounds. His senior accolades include winning the 1994 University Nationals in freestyle, earning a bronze medal at the 1994 Pan‑American Games, finishing second in the 1996 Olympic Trials, and claiming the 1997 U.S. Open championship.

These inductions highlight a rich tapestry of talent that has shaped Delaware wrestling over the past several decades. Fans and alumni are encouraged to attend the festivities and celebrate the legacies of these champions and contributors.

The ceremony will also serve as a platform to discuss future initiatives for the sport, including youth development programs and continued support for events like the Beast of the East. Attendees can network with current wrestlers, coaches, and members of the wrestling community.

For more information or to secure your spot at the event, visit the ticket page and purchase your $50 ticket before they sell out. Support local wrestling heritage by joining the celebration of those who have made lasting impacts on the sport.