Photo: NY Times

Wrestling Observer Newsletter founder Dave Meltzer will receive the Jim Melby Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dan Gable Museum later this year in Waterloo, IA.

On the induction weekend of July 14-16, Dave will be recognized during the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction weekend. The Jim Melby Award recognizes excellence in professional journalism, named in honor of Jim Melby, a professional wrestling historian and journalist. Tickets are available for the entire weekend by emailing the museum or by calling (319) 233-0745.

Also set to be inducted during the weekend: former UFC fighter and MMA personality Chael Sonnen. Four more inductees will be announced later this year.

From the press release:

"I am very proud to receive this honor because of what it entails and because of my great respect for Jim Melby and the connection with Lou Thesz,” said Meltzer. “In 1971, I sent a newsletter to Melby, and he praised it in his fan club column in Wrestling Monthly Magazine. I started getting subscribers based on his recommendation. The truth is, there is not a chance in the world my life would have taken the turn it did without Melby, and he was so gracious with me when I was in my preteen and teenager years."

Besides his work being read here on our site, Dave can also be read on MMA Fighting.com where he contributes as an MMA Senior Writer. He's published, edited, and written the Observer newsletter since 1983 and has worked for The National Sports Daily and Yahoo Sports in his long career.