Hall of Fame
Jason Venne was a national standout on the wrestling team, having been crowned New England Champion in 177 lbs in 1998 while also being named Outstanding Wrestler in New England the same year.
“This is one of the biggest honors to be recognized by my alma mater for my accomplishments in wrestling while at Norwich. This honor is also due to my great teammates and coaches that helped push me to be better.”
Venne finished fourth his freshman season in New England competition, second his sophomore year, and third his junior campaign, before ultimately taking the crown his senior season. He was also a three-time Academic All- American from 1996 to 1998.
Venne made an impact from the start, ranking first on the team his freshman season in pins with 10, all the while racking up 23 wins. He tallied 24 wins his sophomore season, helping lead his team to a second-place finish in the New England Championships with 141 points scored, the second time a Norwich wrestling squad placed that high.
The wrestling team would finish second out of 14 teams the following season at New Englands, while Venne concluded his four-year career by aiding his team to a 45-18 record.
“I had many moments at Norwich, but one of the biggest memories I had was from early on my freshman year. It was one of our first matches against WPI. I was going up against a previous New England champion. Several of my teammates (Leo, Dave, Schiller, Brownie, Kreis, to name a few) gave some great encouragements that I could beat my opponent. As a freshman going against a senior, this was a pretty good boost in confidence. After I had won, it was then I knew we had a great team and was excited about the next four years.”
Venne, a criminal justice major with a minor in English, graduated with high honors and was a member of the Corps of Cadets.
After Norwich, Venne served in the United States Army for nine years, where he received several distinguished accolades. He earned a Bronze Star, five Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, two Meritorious Unit Citations, and a Combat Action Badge.
“The Norwich experience and being on a great team showed that anything can be possible when you are surrounded by great people and push yourself.”
