LA PLATA, Md. — Wrestling has long been part of the Margolis family story in Southern Maryland. On Saturday, March 7, 2026, that story added another chapter when Marty Margolis III, a 2015 graduate of La Plata High School, was inducted into the Maryland State Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Margolis III was recognized as the 88th member of the Maryland State Wrestling Hall of Fame, an honor celebrating individuals who have helped shape and strengthen the sport across Maryland.
The honor came during the final day of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) Wrestling State Championships at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro.
For many local wrestling fans, the recognition brings back memories of Margolis’ standout years with the La Plata High School Warriors. He joined the varsity lineup as a freshman and went on to become a three-time Maryland state champion.
After graduating from La Plata, Margolis continued wrestling at the collegiate level and added to an already impressive list of accomplishments. According to the Maryland State Wrestling Hall of Fame presentation, his career highlights include:
- 3-time MPSSAA state champion
- 4-time collegiate All-American (NJCAA, NAIA)
- 2-time national finalist
- 4-time team national champion (two NJCAA, two NAIA)
- 4-time team captain
Wrestling success runs in the family. Margolis III’s father, Marty Margolis Jr., and his brother, Todd, both wrestled at Maurice J. McDonough High School and each won Maryland state titles during their high school careers. Marty Margolis Jr., is also a beloved physical education teacher at Walter J. Mitchell Elementary School in La Plata, where he has taught for nearly 30 years and was named Maryland Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2022.
Margolis III went on to win his own state and national titles and is now the first member of the Margolis family inducted into the Maryland State Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Margolis said the journey to the Hall of Fame has been a long one. Now living in Colorado Springs and working for USA Wrestling as the events operations coordinator, he said returning home to Maryland to receive the honor made the moment even more special.
It was especially meaningful, he said, to have his entire family there for the ceremony. His grandfather’s attendance was a surprise, as his health has made travel difficult in recent years.
Margolis also thanked everyone who played a role in his journey.
“It was definitely a group effort,” he said. “My support system was so strong, and their help set me up for success.”
In 2015, Charles County Public Schools produced a video profile on Margolis during his senior year, highlighting his wrestling career and family support.
In the video, Margolis Jr., who coached wrestling at Westlake High School, recalled bringing his son along to practices from a young age, saying, “I was a coach and he would go with me to practice and be on the side, in a playpen.”
Surrounded by family who knew the sport well, the future Hall of Famer had “been around wrestling his whole life,” the video noted. Training often continued at home, where mats were set up and family members and teammates helped him sharpen his skills outside of school practices.
Following the ceremony, Margolis Jr. shared the family’s pride in a social media post.
“This weekend was very special for our family,” he wrote. “Marty 3 was inducted into the Maryland Wrestling Hall of Fame for his leadership and outstanding service to the sport of wrestling. I am grateful for everyone that has been part of Marty’s journey in wrestling and life.”
The ceremony also honored longtime wrestling official Jim Shilling, who was inducted as part of the inaugural class of officials in the Maryland State Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Shilling has officiated with the Washington Metropolitan Wrestling Officials Association since 1976, working more than 32,000 bouts at over 1,000 events, including 30 county tournaments, 27 regional tournaments and 16 state tournaments. He also served the association in leadership roles including president, treasurer/scheduler and secretary.
Other honorees recognized during the ceremony included Daniel Miller, who was inducted alongside Margolis III in the wrestlers category. Members of the inaugural officials category inducted into the Maryland State Wrestling Hall of Fame also included Lynn Brenneman, Rick Cole, Michael J. Endler, Richard W. Hare, Ed Kelly and George McKelvie.
The MPSSAA also presented its Service to Wrestling Award to Gary Burkhardt, Jim Grim, Bruce Lindblad and Steve Smith, recognizing individuals who dedicate time and support to the sport at the county, regional and state levels.
Congratulations to all who were recognized during the ceremony. Watch the 2015 Charles County Public Schools video profile of Margolis III from his senior year at La Plata High School below.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
