John Hnath is a 1982 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and a 1987 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. He was coached at Mt. Lebanon by PWCA Hall of Fame coach George Lamprinakos. Hnath was a WPIAL AAA runner-up in 1981 as a junior and his senior season was cut short by an injury. In college, Hnath was a four-year starter at Pitt, and a two-time team captain. His most notable accomplishment as a D1 wrestler was qualifying for the NCAA Championships in 1985. However, his collegiate legacy will be less defined by his success as a competitor, but rather by his outstanding officiating resume. Hnath is a well-respected as a Division I and high school referee, having begun officiating in 2001. Hnath served as President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Officials from 2001-2013. He has officiated at the NCAA Division I Championships 12 consecutive years while balancing his refereeing with his day job, the President and owner of General Fabricating Services, a local light manufacturing company. Perhaps what will be his most enduring effect on the sport, Hnath was a key founder of the Mt. Lebanon Youth Wrestling Association and served as a coach for many years. He is also an active committee member of the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic and was inducted into the Southwestern PA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2021.