Nassau Community College Athletics is pleased to announce that wrestling coach Vougar Oroudjov has been inducted into the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. The Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made an impact and left a legacy in NJCAA Wrestling. Oroudjov is the seventh member of the Wrestling Hall of Fame from Nassau Community College (Willie Gadson 1986, Chuck Henke 1987, Gene McNeil 2000, Paul Schmidt 2010, Neil Nugent 2017, Chris Weidman 2019). 

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Vougar Oroudjov | Coach | Nassau (NY) 

Vougar Oroudjov, longtime wrestling coach at Nassau Community College, has dedicated over 20 years to coaching at the NJCAA level, building one of the most respected wrestling programs in the country. During his tenure, his teams compiled outstanding records, including multiple seasons with dominant win–loss marks, while consistently competing at the national level. His coaching success culminated in NJCAA Non-Scholarship National Championships and earning NJCAA Non-Scholarship Coach of the Year honors. 

Beyond team success, Oroudjov's influence on the sport is deeply personal and far-reaching. A former world champion and Olympic bronze medalist, he brought elite-level experience and international perspective to the collegiate ranks. His commitment to excellence is reflected not only in championships, but also in athlete development, mentorship, and community engagement. 

Oroudjov has played a significant role in the growth of wrestling on Long Island, coaching numerous high school state champions and conducting wrestling clinics nationwide. Since arriving in the United States more than 25 years ago, he has become a pillar of the regional wrestling community. 

Wrestling has also been a family legacy for Oroudjov, as all three of his sons competed at Cornell University, including Vito Oroudjov, a Division I national champion and world champion. 

Oroudjov's nomination places him among an elite group of coaches whose influence extends well beyond the mat. 

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"With all the accolades Vougar has earned over his remarkable career, I truly believe this honor stands alongside his World Championship and his Olympic medal." stated former Nassau wrestling coach and Hall of Fame member Paul Schmidt. "Those achievements speak to his greatness as an athlete, but they are only part of his legacy. Vougar didn't just bring extraordinary ability to the mat — he brought leadership, discipline, and a deep commitment to developing others. Over the years, he has mentored so many young athletes, shaping not only their wrestling careers but their character and direction in life. He has elevated the level of wrestling on Long Island and at Nassau Community College, leaving a standard of excellence that will continue long after any single title or medal. That may be his greatest accomplishment of all."

Click here to view the NJCAA Wrestling Hall of Fame announcement for the Class of 2026. The complete list of the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame can be found in the NJCAA Record Book.

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