Preview A A by Bob McPhee Sun Journal
The times are changing and that certainly reflects the faces in the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance as it prepares to induct four new members in to the Hall of Fame.
The 2004 class includes longtime coaches Frank ‘Spook’ Spizuoco of Dexter; Dennis Walch of Westbrook and Al Kirk of Deering. The late Sean Sheehy wrestled at Wells High School in the mid-1980s.
The ceremonies will be held at South Maine Community College on Saturday July 17 at 6pm. The new location at SMCC will hopefully increase the visibility of the MAWA
The four inductees will raise the total to 40 members in the Hall of Fame.
"SMCC was chosen after looking at 32 venues in the So. Maine area" MAWA board member John Cole said. "The switch (from Hyde School in Bath) is relatively easy, some coordination, difference in task assignments, and we are able to keep the cost about the same. They had to meet some requirements, such as size, easy of access, but mainly we were allowed more flexibility."
The selection of three coaches, in the same year, is a first for the MAWA. The trio has combined to serve the worlds’ oldest sport for approximately 100 years.
Frank ‘Spook’ Spizuoco of Dexter
Spizuoco, has been with the Dexter program, since its inception in 1958. He has been assistant for eight different coaches, including Donald Hosapple from 58-62. Spook served as head coach for several years, including 1963-65 and the Tigers were unbeaten during that period.
Dexter has won 12 state championships in 46 years, second only to 16 won by Sanford.
When the University of Maine was considering dropping the wrestling program, Spizuoco stepped in and was the head coach for its final two seasons.
Dennis Walch of Westbrook
Walch established the program at Westbrook in the early 1970s and remained as head coach until retiring last year. Walch still teaches physical education and is the Westbrook golf coach. He has filled the winter void by becoming a wrestling official and is also the team leader of the Friendship Series, featuring wrestlers from Nebraska and Maine. The annual event is the longest active cultural exchange between two states in the nation. Walch has seen numerous changes during his tenure, but coaching in the competitive atmosphere has always remained one of the top priorities. The sport requires each participant to be prepared to utilize two important behaviors. The most obvious factor is an individual’s ability to cope with the extremely physical demands necessary during a match. An often over looked aspect is the mental make-up of every participant and how it can be used as an advantage in their performances.
Al Kirk of Deering
Kirk has been the wrestling coach at Deering since 1977 and also was an assistant football coach for 19 years. Kirk, a former lay minister, is an Associate Professor of Technology at the University of Southern Maine.
Kirk remains dedicated to school spirit and is active in wrestling every day.
The Rams coach believes in the tradition of the sport and the Rams wrestling room, transcends it. When you step inside, you see the faces of former wrestlers and get a sense of the golden moments that have occurred through out the years. Kirk’ philosophy is to mold the entire person and he develops a strong interaction with kids, and knows what makes them tick.
Sean Sheehy of Wells
Sheehy was the first wrestler to win three Class B state championships (1985-87) and was also the first to achieve 100 career wins. The former Warrior was quiet and humble, however, he is best remembered for his tenacious leadership.
Unfortunately, Sheehy was 30 years old when he past away in March of 1999. Sheehy had lived life to the fullest and was in his 10th year as a Navy Seal. While a member of Seal Team One, Sheehy completed two WESTPAC deployments and had been on standby for deployment to Desert Storm. In 1993, he was selected to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), which he served with distinction until the time of his death. Through out Sheehy’ military career, his dynamic, self-confident and unselfishness were an influence to all who worked with him.
Unfortunately, Sheehy was 30 years old when he past away in March of 1999. Sheehy had lived life to the fullest and was in his 10th year as a Navy Seal. While a member of Seal Team One, Sheehy completed two WESTPAC deployments and had been on standby for deployment to Desert Storm. In 1993, he was selected to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), which he served with distinction until the time of his death. Through out Sheehy’ military career, his dynamic, self-confident and unselfishness were an influence to all who worked with him.
Sheehy was decorated and received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.
The board decided to present the Outstanding Wrestler Award to Decota Cotten of Noble and Chris Remsen of Camden Hills. They each won New England championships and earned All American honors by Wrestling U.S.A.
"We changed this selection process," Cole said. "There used to be three nominees, but only one winner. This will avoid having the nominees attend and some finding out they did not win, we thought it needed touching up and thereby avoid any bad feeling."
The MAWA Person(s) of the Year is Ron and Susan Elwell, who are longtime supporters of wrestling in the Greater Bath area.
HOF chairman Wally LaFountain and MAWA President Dennis Bishop are both stepping down. The two have dedicated countless hours to the sport and will be missed."