""Wrestling is a laboratory for the values and attributes necessary in building strong leaders," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Smith, who was an undefeated high school wrestler in high school and a collegiate athlete, said he relies on lessons learned on the mat every day in his job as chief of the nation's second-largest tribe.

"There are a lot of sports that teach values like self-reliance and determination," said Smith. "I don't know if there is a better example than wrestling."

Smith, who oversees a tribe with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion, was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Smith was voted into the Hall of Outstanding Americans, an honor reserved for wrestlers who have gone on to become leaders in politics, business and entertainment.

"To be honest, I was somewhat in disbelief when they told me," said Smith. "I consider this one of the great honors I've had.""

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John Klein: Cherokee chief inducted into wrestling hall (The Tulsa World 6/6)