Hall of Fame Inductee: Dennis Bishop - CONTRIBUTATOR

Always humble, but certainly passionate, the 56-year-old Bath Iron Works electrical designer. In a nutshell, Dennis's career (which we will expand on later) has covered more than three decades of coaching and officiating and umpteen hours of counseling, encouraging and molding the wrestling youth of Maine. "His list of accomplishments is endless," said longtime (and former) Morse High School head coach Jim Coffin. "There are so many communities and so many schools Dennis has been involved with. "And the thing with Dennis is that he always does things with integrity, always trying to do the right thing. Very humble but always trying to find the right way to resolve a problem in the best interest of everyone." Integrity. Commitment. Humility. Passion. Energy. Tradition. These are words that those in the know throw out every time Dennis Bishop'ss name is brought up. Wrote Bob McPhee, a longtime Lewiston Sun Journal wrestling beat writer and Class of 2000 Hall inductee: "For the past four decades, wrestling has been ingrained in Bishop and he has earned a great deal of respect. It has become second nature, that any activity Bishop is involved with will be accomplished with integrity. Since his humble beginnings as a wrestler at Biddeford High School, Bishop has worn a number of different hats. This continues even today as one of the top referees in the entire state." And if you sit down to examine Dennis Bishop'ss sporting life you will see the interaction with other wrestling aficionados, like the late Gary Kent, Reese, Coffin, Keith Lancaster and Dennis Walch. "Jim Coffin and Keith Lancaster are two individuals who had a profound effect upon my coaching style. Two very classy men who could compete intensely while still being total gentlemen."

Tiny and slow

Dennis Bishop'ss story begins with failed introductions to Little League and basketball as a Biddeford youth. You name it, Dennis flunked it. "I was small, I was only 82 pounds going into high school. And I didn'st have a sliver of confidence." In the early 1960s, Dennis became acquainted with several coaches "who basically helped me to believe in myself." One such individual was Blaine Turner, a friend of Dennis's brother Roland Pelletier. A fast friendship evolved while Dennis learned the power of weightlifting.  "That was the beginning of it right there."  Frank Pictou, a full-blooded Native American, taught Dennis and his friends about various sports and most importantly, sportsmanship, which became Dennis's trademark down through the years. In high school, Dennis yearned for the chance to compete. Football was out of the question, what with two severely broken wrists and a heart murmur casting some doubt on his athletic capability. Luckily his family doctor encouraged Dennis to compete, saying that he would outgrow his heart condition. "Boy, was the guy ever right." He settled on cross country. The very first time Dennis ran a mile he stopped six times. "Not only was I small but I was slow." But Joe Plamondon, the Biddeford High School coach, was there to pick up the pieces. "I don'st know if he'sll ever know the impact he had on me. He was the first coach who really showed the confidence in me and made me feel good about myself." By the end of the season he was running the courses ragged.  Up next was wrestling. "And whatever got me to go out for wrestling to this day I just don'st know."  The coach there was Neil "Ziggy" Serpico. Another impact mentor.

Believing in himself

Dennis remembers the first time he got on the scales and the look on Serpico'ss face because the Biddeford coach just knew he had a true 95-pounder (lightest weight class at that time) for the next four years. "I was tiny, I was small, and I didn'st have a fiber of muscle because I was still developing. But Mr. Serpico was always bubbling over with enthusiasm and I think that caught on with his athletes. "Those guys really made me believe in myself and that is what coaching is all about. Your successes in sports aren'st all that important - it'ss what you take from that and bring it to life that is." Though he had limited athletic success his four years at Biddeford, Dennis persevered and eventually kept competing while a student at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (now Southern Maine Community College). He actually set school cross country records in his three years and wrestled as an "unattached" 136-pounder up and down the East coast. Lessons were always learned, which helped shape his coaching career. Heck, it shaped just who Dennis Bishop is - someone you want by your side whether coaching, reffing or spectating. "Although I never won a major title of any kind, it was the experiences I had through those years that instilled within me a deep and profound respect for the sport of wrestling." Tim Agwar, a former high school teammate, ended up back in Biddeford after graduating from Boston University and took over an abandoned wrestling program. On a chance meeting, the two agreed Dennis would make a standout assistant, despite a dearth of coaching experience. And guess what? A year later the then-20-year-old Dennis became head coach. Wrestling books were bought and he constantly picked the brains of fellow coaches. "I made every mistake in the book and I invented a few new ones. I did everything wrong that you possibly could in the handling of kids." What followed were high school coaching stints at Kennebunk, Hyde, Mt. Ararat and Morse. At Mt. Ararat, Dennis was named Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. A career highlight included his salad days with the York County Athletic Club from 1976-78. With wrestlers from all over the state, Bishop'ss boys never lost a dual meet. "We dominated the New England tournament scene to the point that Massachusetts barred us from their events. Perhaps the proudest accomplishment for the YCAC was to come in third place as a team at the 1977 National Championships. The amazing part of this feat was that we only had six wrestlers competing. The two states ahead of us, Minnesota and Oregon, had full 33-man squads."  That meet, Eon was named Outstanding Wrestler and Maine'ss Ric Allain and Bishop were selected Outstanding Coaches. Although coaching was his first love, he also got into officiating - those same guys also encouraged that in the mid-1970s as well - which helped him later when he decided just to officiate, thus freeing up time to help raise his son Brian.  He'ss never looked back, but he never lost touch with either mat avocation. "Part of it was the people I was involved with, the great friendships that were being formed with those guys and a lot of other people when you think about all the wrestlers, parents and so forth down through the years. The big part of it for me has been the friendships."

Influences on Dennis

He has coached for and coached against umpteen wrestlers down through the years but it'ss the lesser-talented ones that have left their ubiquitous marks in Dennis's heart. "Some of the individuals whom I had the greatest amount of respect for and was most inspired by were not always the most successful wrestlers I coached. They often were the wrestlers who did not have the God-given talent or ability of some of their teammates. Yet, they came to practice every day, worked their tails off, and always challenged the better wrestlers in the wrestle-offs, even when they knew in their hearts what the result was going to be.  Young men like Danny Noyes from Kennebunk, who never wrestled a varsity match until the very last match of his career. Roger Dionne from Marshwood and the YCAC, who battled constantly and never gave up. Dan Wilson from Mt. Ararat, maybe not the most gifted wrestler, but every bit the heart of a champion. My own son, Brian, who in spite of having to face a far superior, more talented wrestler, found it within himself to challenge this individual at every wrestle-off. And last, but not least, one of the greatest sources of inspiration for me has always been Bob McPhee, the epitome of overcoming adversity. These are the kinds of people that have truly inspired me through my coaching career and I believe in many ways made me the coach that I am."  Listen to former Mt. Ararat standout Chuck Alexander, who wrestled under Dennis. "Dennis has commented on more then one occasion that what he values most about his involvement with wrestling are the friendships he has made," said Alexander, a huge proponent of youth wrestling. "That his door is always open to his wrestlers past and present. Those aren'st simply words he says to sound good. He truly means that, as I have personally found out. When I was in my early 20s I was struggling with a lot of things with my life. Not sure of where my place was in the world at that time, and very uncertain about which direction to head to find it. "I went over to his house and talked about some of what was going on with me," explained Alexander. "He had no sage or profound words of advice that turned things around for me instantly. He did, however, listen, encourage and give me some hope that things would eventually start unfolding for me - which they eventually did. Abilities and qualities that it seems today, can be rare to find in a coach."

It will be his day

As the days tick down to the Hall ceremony, he can'st help but think ahead. This will be Dennis Bishop'ss Day. "I have been thinking of it lately. My wife (Marianne) asked me that the other day. She asked if I was getting anxious and I said 'sYeah, in fact, I'sm getting a little nervous.'s It'ss different than being up there on the podium as the MAWA president and kicking the thing off. Now it'ss going to be emotional."  The Hall of Fame thing is BIG and Dennis Bishop is fully aware of his place in Maine wrestling history. Want further proof? The MAWA president from 1996-2003, Dennis was also selected as USA Wrestling'ss "Man of the Year" for Maine in 1998. "He taught us how to wrestle the RIGHT way," lauded Alexander. "By that I mean technically, physically and morally."  "I am so honored and so humbled to be part of this group of people I can'st begin to express how I feel. It is wrestling-wise the greatest honor of my life. To be put in the same group with Gary Kent, Jim Coffin, Ted Reese and people like that. And not to mention the wrestlers like Bob Eon and Kevin Gilmore ... And I don'st have any intention of getting out of this anytime soon.  "There are a lot of new faces in the sport - especially in the coaching and officiating ranks but that'ss not a bad thing. In a lot of cases they'sve come from great backgrounds, and in some cases they need to learn. And they will. Hopefully people such as myself can be involved with that help because there were people there for me when I first started." Alexander also likes to tell the story about the time he and Dennis were talking about Smith, a current Hall of Fame member and Maine wrestling legend. "Dennis commented on how he hoped that people might remember and appreciate him the way they did John," recalled Alexander. "I'sll just say that John Smith is John Smith. But I hope people think of Dennis Bishop for what he is: the most selfless, sincere and dedicated person that it has been my pleasure to have learned from in this, the greatest and oldest sport." Let's let Coffin sum it up: "I can'st think of one flaw about Dennis. He is one of the most respected men in the sport and no one has done more for the sport of wrestling. No one."

Hall of Fame Inductee: Gary Kent - COACH

Gary Kent has been without a doubt one of the most innovative coaches in Maine and New England wrestling circles. His career has spanned more than two decades and includes participation as a wrestler and official. The Auburn native attended Ithaca (NY) College where he first learned wrestling fundamentals, and later at the University of Maine at Orono. It was while at Maine that Kent became an intramural participant in the program headed up by Frank Spizuoco and Ian MacKinnon.

After graduating form Orono, Kent took over the reigns of the fledging mat program at Lisbon High School, and within three years had taken the Grayhounds to the state class B championship. That 1963 state title has been the only state wrestling championship at Lisbon. A three-year coaching stint at North Reading (MASS) high school was followed by one year at Rumford and two years at Sanford. His first year at Sanford saw the Redskins win a head to head confrontation with Keith Lancaster’s Skowhegan entry for the state crown.

In the fall of 1969 the new Massabesic High School opened their doors at Waterboro. The students were former Sanford enrollees and it seemed only natural that wrestling be included in the varsity sports program. Not one to pass up a challenge, Kent went to Massabesic as varsity football and wrestling coach. Opting for class A status immediately Massabesic wrestled a full schedule against top teams like Sanford, Runford, and Traip. Although they finished in last place in the state A tournament, it was apparent to everyone there the Mustangs were for real and a contender for the future.

During the next two seasons, giant strides were made as Massabesic finished sixth in the 1971 tournament and second the following year. That 1972 squad ran away with the Southern Regional with six champions, and lost the state title to Rumford by only three points. Representing Massabesic in the championship circle were Don Moreau (105) and Dan Ouellette (155), the first two Mustang state champs. The following year was also a Rumford-Massabesic finish, but this time more than 60 points separated the two teams. Harold Tuttle (132) was one of the few non-Rumford winners that day. A week later Earl Boyes (185) was to win the first of his three New England titles with a variation of the freestyle salto which would become his trademark. There lay the essence of the Kent genius. His ability to adapt various techniques from the international styles so scholastic wrestling. Later that spring, Kent took a group of wrestlers to New England AAU freestyle and Greco-Roman championships. To no one’s surprise several medals were won and with the new found expertise, Kent returned to indoctrinate the State of Maine. Freestyle champions at Lowell were Boyes (192), and brothers Phil (154) and Fred (UNL) Smith, both of Kennebunk, Greco champs were Boyse again (192), Sandy Rollins (178) and Art Tuttle (106) all of Massabesic. 

Kent’s trip to the National AAU Junior Olympic Tournament in St Cloud, Minnesota, was not without its fruits of victory. Boyes became the first Maine wrestler to win a national title by taking the Greco championship at 192, while Tuttle and Frank Gagnon both finished sixth. Boyes also participated at the Junior World Championships in Alabama that summer.

Working closely with the National AAU office in Indianapolis, Kent was able to gain one of the eight national sites for the visiting Soviet National Junior team. That meet between the Soviet all-stars and the Maine freestyle champions marked the arrival of international wrestling in the state. And Gary Kent was the moving force. The meet became a state-wide media event. Pre-meet festivities, the actual meet, and the post-meet gathering became frontpage news. The Gannet papers were foremost in the list of sponsors. The Soviets crushed the Maine stars, but it really didn’t matter, because wrestling in Maine had come of age. And Gary Kent had seen his dream come true.

Two seasons at Hyde School followed, and the freestyle seasons saw national teams from Poland and Austria wrestle at various sites in the state. Again Kent provided much of the impetus to the programs and most of the actual coaching of the teams. The 1975 Junior Olympic champs were the first Maine wrestlers to travel to Europe to compete in a series of duals in Austria and Switzerland.

After a two-year hiatus from education, Kent returned to coaching in 1978 and initiated a wrestling program at MCI. Primarily concerned with the post-graduate program, Kent took three wrestlers to the New England Prep Championships and came back with three titlists: Don Fryson (105), two-time State and New England interscholastic champ Bob Eon (145), and former New England champ Evans Brantley (UNL). Eon also won the National Prep Championship at Lehigh that season. The next season Kent returened to Hyde to again head the wrestling program.

Hall of Fame Inductee: Ted Reese, Phd. - COACH

Ted Reese (Phd) is head coach at USM's wrestling program, having led Brandeis University's wrestlers to the best records in that school's history and having founded the varsity Maine high school programs at Camden-Rockport, Georges Valley, and Bonny Eagle. During his fifteen years at Bonny Eagle, the "Fighting Scots" were State Champions seven times, runners-up four times, and winners of the Sportsmanship banner twice. As a matter of fact, they have been Class A (for Maine's largest schools) State Champions four of the last five years. In this year's Wrestling USA magazine, the Scots were listed nationally as the twenty-ninth most successful school program of the past decade. 

Reese's background is varied. He wrestled for Yale, winning the Gleason Trophy, and was New England freestyle champion four times. After getting his BA in English at Yale, he served in the Marine Corps and later earned masters degrees at both Harvard and Brandeis before being awarded a PhD in English at Brandeis. 

Besides the schools where he founded varsity wrestling programs, Reese taught English and was head coach of wrestling at Noble and Greenough School, Milton Academy, and Tabor Academy (where he was head of the English Department). He has coached New England school and freestyle champions as well as three honorable mention scholastic All Americans and three Maine All Class Most Outstanding Wrestlers. 

The first American to receive the designation as Master Coach from FILA, wrestling's international ruling body, Ted also earned a certificate of achievement from the Moscow Institute of Sport in 1987. He was head coach of Maine's team that toured Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in 1975 and over the years head coach of several Maine freestyle teams that competed in other international and interstate meets. He has been president of both Independent and public school coaches' associations, has been voted Maine's Coach of the Year six times, has been selected as Region I Coach of the Year, was chosen as Wrestling USA's National Coach of the Year in 1996, and is a member of Maine's Wrestling Hall of Fame. 

Hall of Fame Inductee: Gerry Perkins - COACH

 There isn't to much that Jerry Perkins hasn't seen or done during a coaching career that spans five decades and there will certainly be no regrets when he hangs up his wrestling shoes at the conclusion of this season. The coach has numerous memories of teams and events through out the years which bring smiles, however, Perkins is realistic and will be the first one to point out that it's the hundreds of wrestlers who deerve a lot of the credit.

There was no mistaking who has been in complete charge of the programs, although the names have changed from Stephens, to Rumford High Schools between 1967-88 and for the past seven years at Mountain Valley. The main constant has been that the student-athletes have all come from the same blue-collar, mill-town area nestled in the mountains of Western Maine.

"Wrestling is perfect for this town and area,"Perkins said. "I've found that the kids are hard-nosed and have the mentality to succeed in the sport. I knew when I first started that I was on to something and one of the things needed to be done was to redirect the energy of the kids."

Perkins, a Brewer native, had just graduated from the University of Maine and was a member of the Black Bear football that played in the 1965 Tangerine Bowl. Perkins was recommended by Walter Abbott to coach football at Stephens. He was originally hired as an assistant and served as the head coach from 1970-80. The wrestling job was available because founder Mel Preble wasn't interested in returning. Despite having only wrestled while at Brewer H.S. under Don Horsapple and in intramurals at UMAINE, Perkins was eager to take over the reins and the team was excited because it prevented the program from being disbanded.

"I was 23 years old and I wanted to be a head coach,"Perkins said. "I went home with a couple books and learned all that I could. I can remember that we used to wrestle in the armory on a bunch of (lumpy) horse-hair mats that were tied together. But, I loved it and I still have the same passion for the sport today."

Perkins was drawn to wrestling because of the hand-to-hand combative combat, the strategies involved and the hard work and dedication that was necessary to be  successful. Perkin' own persona and work ethic certainly blended right in, and the wrestlers bought in to his philosophies. Early in his career, Perkins established himself as a task master, with a no-nonsense attitude. These trademarks have included enduring his intimidating icy stare to taking directions from a booming voice that created fear in whoever it was directed at."

"We dreaded the long bus ride up to Rumford,"Terry Devereaux said. " The thing that impressed me about Jerry was how much he cares for his athletes and wants them to succeed in life after graduation. He earned their respect and I've never heard any of his ex-athletes speak a negative word about him and he is certainly revered by some of them."

The sport of wrestling in the state was still growing and there wasn't much support or publicity, however, things started to change beginning in 1970 when Dave Giroux won a New England championship. Rumford then put itself on another level that had other teams left in complete awe.

The Panthers won five Class A state championships in a 10 year span, including consecutive state championships from 1972-74. The '72; team won despite having no individual state champions and the '73; team set a then-national record with six state champions. Wrestlers on that team included Dave Magoon and Steve DeFillip who each started as juniors and were both two-time individual state champions.

"Jerry was tough,"former assistant Tom Costello said. "He pushes kids, but there's nothing he likes better than to see kids succeed. He preaches hard work and established a tradition."

Perkins, a 1994 inductee in the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame, has always utilized two philosophies in preparing wrestlers for battle and those are still quite successful even today. He teaches the basics to the wrestlers because the same moves are effective year after year, but more importantly was the strong emphasis that has been placed on physical conditioning. The mentality and mat toughness of the wrestlers is widely known because the teams traditionally have won numerous matches in the third period by being in better condition.

"Jerry Perkins is a legend,"former coach Dennis Bishop said. "Jerry did a lot for the sport and those Rumford teams always had some tough wrestlers who were well prepared. When ever opposing teams stepped on the mat, they had to be ready for a battle."

Rumford also won state titles in 1978 and 1981 and finished first or second in the state 11 of 14 years between 1967-81. The success even drew national attention when Wrestling U.SA. Magazine labeled Rumford "Wrestling Capitol of Maine."

Perkins record speaks for itself and he'll leave a benchmark that all coaches can only strive to attain. In 28 years his over all dual-meet record is 432-73-7, including 100-15 at Mountain Valley.

"I've learned that respect is the cornerstone of the sport,"Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. "The teams are so fine tuned with skill and discipline. Coach Perkins would say you can have a talented wrestler, but if he doesn't show signs of discipline, respect and coach-ability he will embarrass you and the team."

The continuity in the system is a factor through out the years has contributed to the team' even-flow of remaining competitive. Several 18-hour days are not uncommon, so the support received by parents, school and assistant coaches, Tom Paradis, Costello, Tom Ward, Doug Gilbert, Steve Nokes, Gary Dolloff and Chris Bean, has always been visible.

"It takes a special breed to want to wrestle,"Perkins said. "In order to have coached 28 years, I needed a strong family backing and my wife Joyce has been there. Plus, I was always surrounded by some good people and I'm confident that Gary Dolloff will continue the tradition."

Hall of Fame Inductee: Wally LaFountain - CONTRIBUTATOR

One of the Old Guard Officials and Coaches that maintained the integrity and good name of wrestling in Maine and across the country.

Started wrestling programs at Bergenfield, New Jersey, High School and at Winslow(ME) High School and assisted other schools in starting their programs through exchanges, clinics, school assemblies, and demonstrations.

Charter member and president of the MIWOA for 16 years.

Served on the National Federation of High Schools Wrestling Rules Committee representing District I 1982-1986 (New England, New York and New Jersey).

Officiated wrestling for 27 years including 17 years as a member of the New England Intercollegiate Wrestling Officials Association.

Conducted wrestling rules clinic throughout the state.

Served as wrestling officials liaison to the then MSSPA.

Coached wrestling at Winslow 1959 and 1960 and again 1986-1990.

Established the Friendship Series Cultural Exchange Program with the State of Nebraska and directed it for ten years.

Have acted as liaison with the AAU international programs hosting the Soviet National Team, Polish, Austrian and Dutch teams and served as team leader on Maine’s AAU Cultural Exchange to Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Inducted into the Maine Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1994

Member of MAWA and MAWA Board of Directors

The aforementioned statement barely scratches the surface in trying to extend appreciation to Wallace LaFountain who has dedicated over seven decades to help promote the world's oldest sport.It's through LaFountain' unrenting efforts that has provided a stage for thousands of Maine student-athletes to enjoy competing.

LaFountain regrettably completed his final official act at the Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance banquet in July.He had served as the Hall Of Fame chairman for the last six years and became well known for his well polished wit and humor.The countless stories of past events was a history lesson of wrestling in the Pine Tree state.

LaFountain has worn every tag imaginable over time and there was simply no task to big or to small that he wasn't willing to take on and then it would be done correctly.

"Of all the "old timers" who go way back in the sport. Wally has stayed with it as long as I can remember," former coach Jerry Perkins said.

LaFountain, who was inducted into the MAWA HOF in 1994, had initially arrived in Maine after having started a wrestling program at Bergenfield High School in New Jersey.In 1958,he created a program at Winslow H.S. and assisted other schools in starting their programs through exchanges, clinics, school assemblies, and demonstrations.

"I had two year and four year (coaching) stints at Winslow," LaFountain said.

LaFountain had utilized the light in order to correctly call pins, amid the shadows illumined under the mat light.Three years ago, LaFountain was presented with a replacement light andhe graciously accepted it

LaFountain had helped in forming the MIWOA in 1968 so certified official's oversaw every meet.The charter members were, Tank, Keith Lancaster, Al Graceffa and LaFountain who served as its President for the first 16 years.

LaFountain became a well-respected referee and every one knew the matches would be done professionally.He also spent 17 years as a member of the New England Intercollegiate Wrestling Officials Association.He also served as wrestling officials liaison to the then MSSPA(Maine Principal' Association).

Wally has done so much for the sport from his refereeing," Scarborough coach Ted Reese said.

Always with a smile, Wally still had firm opinions and high standards, you knew where he was coming from."

LaFountain was always on the look out to increase the visibility of wrestling and in the 1970s, together with the late Gary Kent, those exhaustive efforts really paid off.He acted as liaison with the AAU international programs and between 1974-77, Maine hosted the Soviet National Team, Polish, Austrian and Dutch.In '75, he served as team leader on Maine's AAU Cultural Exchange to Germany, Austria and Switzerland.LaFountain was accompanied by coaches Ted Reese and Bill Haskell.

"No one has done more over a longer period of time for Maine wrestling, than Wally," Perkins said.

Wally is symbolic of what is good about high school wrestling in Maine today."

The momentum of the Friendship Series remained on the back burner for several years, however, things changed dramatically in 1984. LaFountain and Mick Pierce of Nebraska both served on the National Federation of High Schools Wrestling Rules Committee.

LaFountain was the Maine team leader of the FS for the first 10 years and together with his wife Audrey were integral parts of the exchange.Unfortunately, Audrey passed away in June.

"Of course Ihange has lasted for 20 years," LaFountainsaid." It's a popular program both here and in Nebraska.It's been a super extension for opportunities for Maine wrestlers.

"Wally was a fine team leader," Reese said.

LaFountain clearly is one of the old guard officials and coaches that maintained the integrity and good name of wrestling in Maine and across the country.

Hall of Fame Inductee: John Smith - CONTRIBUTOR

Coach and official, Coach Smith was the key link to our historical accounts of Maine wrestling. Coach Smith is known for his detailed accounts of historical moments and has provided a sample of his writing for the MAWA HISTORY of Maine Wrestling. Former MAWA member and retired teacher. Coached several state champs and all-Americans Came to Maine from Long Island. Has coached at Gardiner for 15 years and official for 10 years.  In 1967 Coach Smith started the wrestling program in Gardiner. In those times, the wrestling mat consisted of loose mats tied together with rope and covered with a mat cover made of canvas. In the next year as a full varsity squad, a wrestling mat was purchased. Coach Smith was a very good technician teaching his young wrestlers the latest moves and was forever seeking new and better ways by working on the mats with other coaches  all the while learning. Coach Smith lead the way on many fronts on Maine wrestling and started the oldest wrestling tournament in Maine called the Tiger Tourney. After leaving coaching, Coach Smith returned to the mat and officiated for many years. His highest point was being selected to work the floor as an official in the NCAA D-I National Tournament. Coach Smith is a traditionalist and has maintained the complete history of Maine wrestling and has documented its history. He is a past Secretary of the MAWA Board and serves in an advisory role.

Hall of Fame Inductee: John Caramihalis - COACH

Considered the founding father of Maine Interscholastic Wrestling, John Caramihalis almost single-handedly brought wrestling to major sports status at Sanford High School and was a driving force in developing wrestling at the state level through recognition by State Principal’s Association. He initiated the Sanford tradition that has endured for over 20 years.

John Caramihalis was a member of the Springfield College squad under Doug Parker (1949-53) and was New England A.A.U. champion in 1952. That same year he completed in the National AAU championships at Cornell University.

Caramihalis came to Sanford in 1958 and immediately made his presence known in this "new" sport called wrestling. Early newspaper accounts place the first interscholastic dual meet in Maine at Sanford gymnasium between Portland and Sanford High Schools in February 1059. That year Sanford and Portland split dual meets on a home and home basis, while Sanford lost to the Perkins School for the Blind. Mainstays for the squad were the brother combination of Ron and Rick Sparkowich. In the first interscholastic tournament ever held in Maine, Sanford outlasted a tough Deering team 110-105, with Sanford crowing four individual champions. This was the first of six consecutive championships that Caramihalis won at Sanford, and this first of 11 consecutive titles for Sanford before Belfast would knock them out of the top spot in the 1969 Class A tournament.

In 1960 Sanford extended their wrestling schedule to Cooperstown, NY against Central High. It was the start of a two year dual competition. Portland also continued to wrestle the Redskins. An oddity occurred in the state meet that year as Sweeney and Bean, both of Sanford, ended the 121 pound finals in a 6-6 draw. With no clear means of breaking the deadlock, both wrestlers were declared the winner, the only time that such a tie has occurred in any tournament competition in Maine.

Wrestling in New England was really beginning to grow in 1961 and the Sanford schedule was also extended to include Winnacunnett High School of Rye, New Hampshire, as well old foe Perkins School in Boston. This was also the first year the Northern New England Tournament, the winners of which would be eligible for the New England meet. Sanford won that first Northern tourney by edging Braintree, Massachusetts 70-79. White (120) and Sparkowich (154) won gold medals.

Sanford continued to dominate in 1962 and 1963. The 1962 state tourney at Lisbon saw two classes crown champions, with four teams in class A and eight teams in class B. Sanford easily won A tourney that year and crowned six individual champs. The following year was an even bigger runaway in a four team and nine gold medal winners.

Caramihalis’ best team at Sanford was the last team he coached there. That squad led by the likes of Doug Libby, Keith Kalman, Reggie Monroe, Paul Scarponi, and Dave Woodsome, made a shambles of the state tournament and won the New England Tournament as well, the first of only two Maine teams to ever accomplish that feat. Monroe (112), Libby (127) and Kalman (165) won New England titles.

Caramihalis moved to Biddeford for the 1965 campaign. That particular state tournament saw the closest finish in any state meet up to that point. Caramihalis had his Tigers up as Sanford and Biddeford wrestlers met head to head in six of the 12 classes. Sanford prevailed, however and the upset should have been, never materialized. That 1965 season marked the zenith of Biddeford wrestling. After one more season at Biddeford, Caramihalis did graduate study at Duke University, during which time he coached the freshman team. Upon returning to Maine, he worked as a physical therapist in Sanford. He initiated varsity wrestling at Nasson College in Springvale and coached there for three seasons (1972-74). He was on the Maine and New England board of wrestling officials for many years and was the United States Wrestling Federation representative for Maine in the early 1970’s.

The impact that John Caramihalis has made on interscholastic wrestling in Maine is still being felt. Although no longer actively involved in the sport, he still follows intently the fortunes of the Sanford Redskins and can be seen at the state tournament, wherever it is held. Many of his early pupils are seen as coaches, officials, parents of wrestlers, and avid fans of the state.