Former NIU wrestling coach Don Flavin has been chosen as one of four honorary grand marshals for the Illinois High School Association’s 50th Annual Wrestling Championships Feb. 19-21 at the University of Illinois’ Assembly Hall.

Flavin, who retired last season after 18 years of directing the Huskie mat program, was selected by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association from among its Hall of Fame members. Flavin and former Lawrenceville High School coach Bob Emmons, plus mat officials John Swalec and Amos Jones were chosen to lead the procession of state finalists for both the individual and team championships.

Known as the “father of DeKalb wrestling” for starting the Barb high school program in 1954-55, Flavin compiled a 151-37-2 prep record including 13 straight winning seasons after a 1-8-1 inaugural year.

In his 18 seasons at NIU, Flavin compiled a 160-82-12 collegiate ledger with 19 Mid-American Conference individual champions and produced four major-college All-Americas. He was named MAC Coach of the Year in 1976 and again in 1985 when the Huskies won their first league team title in dominating fashion.

The IHSA state tournament’s final session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21.