Balk, Denney to be inducted into NHS Wall of Fame

Former Nevada High School wrestling standouts Chip Balk and Eric Denney are set for induction, Tuesday, into the Nevada High School Athletic Wall of Fame.

According to a press release distributed by Nevada High School: “The NHS Athletic Wall of Fame committee is pleased to announce an upcoming induction ceremony. Two outstanding former Nevada Tiger wrestlers will join the wall during the Jan. 30, wrestling quad (with Columbus, Kan., Carl Junction, and Diamond) at Nevada Middle School. The quad is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Chip Balk and Eric Denney will also be honored with a reception earlier that same afternoon, scheduled for 4 p.m. in the Nevada High School commons. Please make plans to honor Chip and Eric with your attendance at the reception and/or induction ceremony.”

Chip Balk opened his prep-wrestling career at Nevada High School as a freshman in 1981-82, before graduating in the spring of ’85. Balk, who was the captain of the team during the 1984-85 season, had a phenomenal senior campaign, in which he capped his career with a 32-2 overall record in 84-85, while claiming conference and district crowns that year. Balk, competing at 132 pounds, finished runner-up at the Missouri State Wrestling Championships.

Balk continued his wrestling career at the collegiate level, signing with the University of Central Missouri, formerly Central Missouri State University.

Balk is the founder and head coach of the Nevada Tiger Pit Free Style and Greco Wrestling Club — which later became the Nevada Tiger Pit Youth Wrestling Club.

Balk’s credentials include: Staff Coach for Olympian Ken Chertow — Camp System (2004-15); Kansas Veteran’s State Champion, 2009; USA Veterans National Championships in free style and Greco, fifth-place, 2009; Assistant wrestling coach at All Saints’ Episcopal School, Fort Worth, Texas (2013-15).

Denney notched a 75-8 career record at NHS from 1988-92, including a 61-4 record over the course of his junior and senior seasons, while competing at 189 pounds. Denney’s prep highlights include: Two-time Missouri State High School Activities Association medalist, placing runner-up at the state championship meet in 1991, and third-place in 1992. In addition, Denney placed third at the district tournament as a sophomore in 1990, and followed with a district champion in 1991, before placing runner-up at the district meet his senior campaign.