The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recently announced the selection of Dr. Bill Welker to serve as a member of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee.
Welker, a native of Shamokin, was a PIAA state champion and 1965 graduate of Shamokin High School.
The NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee is the governing body for the sport of scholastic wrestling across the country. Welker will represent the Mideast section, which includes Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Welker will assume this position for a four-year term beginning in April, 2012. His primary responsibilities will involve review of old rules, consideration of new rule proposals, and incorporation of new rules.
Welker has been the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission's rules interpreter and supervisor of state tournament officials since 1989.
Welker has also conducted numerous pilot studies for the NFHS wrestling rules committee over the years.
As an active wrestling official for 25 years, Welker has received many accolades. They include: Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Official of Year, West Virginia Official of the Year, NFHS Distinguished Active Official Award, and National Official of the Year.
Welker, a retired educator with 40 years experience as a K-12 classroom instructor, resides in Wheeling, West Va. He and his wife Peggy have four children - Bill, Ricky, Tiffany, and Dan - and 12 grandchildren.