By Bob McPhee
The following trio has been chosen for the Maine Amateur Wrestling Allaince HOF in 2008. They include Adam Farrington, John Tuttle, and Keith Kalman who is being inducted posthumously. It is going to be at the Nasson Community Center located at 457 Main St in Springvale on June 28th. The evening will start at 6:30 with a social time, dinner to begin at 7:00, and presentations around 7:45. Tickets will be $22.00. They need to be pre-purchased and can be done so by contacting me at csmsalexander@verizon.net, calling at 207-729-2816. Farrington became a dominant wrestler at Bonny Eagle High School, then as his wrestling coach at the University of Southern Maine. He was dedicated, a superb wrestler and a fine leader. At Bonny Eagle, Farrington was a member of three State Championship teams, being Captain of one his senior year. "I have seldom if ever worked with someone with more dedication and firm, intense integrity, HOF coach Ted Reese said. "Adam was not a wrestler with fancy "clinic moves," Adam was deceptively skilled, honing his techniques so the details were perfect." As a senior in 1996, Adam was undefeated State Champion, was the Portland Press Herald’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for all classes, and set a record by pinning 40 out of 41 opponents. The one whom he didn’t pin—in the finals of the Redskin—competed just to survive without being pinned. After graduating from Bonny Eagle, he started as a freshman for Division I Boston University. Then he returned to Maine to compete at USM, where he was a National Qualifier two out of three years, missing most of his junior year with an ankle injury. As a senior he was New England Champion, selected as the Outstanding Wrestler at the Championships, and in Division III led the whole nation in pins. "He was dominant," Reese said. "His peers elected him captain of the team three years, every year he competed at USM. Now THAT is respect! In a sport that takes extreme hard work as just "normal," Adam led the team by example. Yet despite this intense work ethic, he also took time to work with those less gifted than he." Nor was it ever the "win-win" philosophy; Adam felt the commitment was more important than results. Despite his own success he would " be there" for those who lost often. He had his priorities straight. For instance, though he was genuinely proud of being selected as the Outstanding Wrestler in New England—and he was genuinely proud--, he forgot to take his Outstanding Wrestling trophy when he cleaned out his locker his senior year. When asked him about this, he stated, "Coach, the trophy is not important; the effort, the journey are far more important." Of course he is right, but how many others, who might say those words publicly, would leave the trophy behind? Adam has served in Iraq with distinction, adjusting to conditions most don’t want to think about. Always a leader, He was awarded the Official Commendation for "Outstanding Service" in Iraq. Kalman had received enough votes years ago, but declined the honor. Since his passing, his wife and kids (and others) suggested the idea of inducting him. In 1964, Kalman and hall of famers Reggie Monroe and Doug Libby each won N.E. championships. That year, Sanford, coached by John Caramihalis won the only N.E. team title in Maine history. Wayne Leblanc was a finalist and Conrad Turgeon was a freshman. Both are in the HOF, also. Dick Michaud and Paul Scarponi placed second and third, respectively. Tuttle, also won a state championship at Sanford in the late 60s. He was unbeaten as a senior, but an injury prevented him from competing for another medal in the NEs. The former state representative joined his brother Jim who was inducted in to the MAWA HOF in 2007. Also, Person of the Year is David DeVoll, Wrestler of the Year is All American Honorble Mention Carlin Dubay, and Coach of the Year is Joe Pistone of USM.
