2015 BANQUET & INDUCTION CEREMONY

NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME Massachusetts Chapter

2015 CEREMONIESTHE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

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WELCOMESteven Biondolillo, Master of Ceremonies

PARADE OF HONOREES Past Inductees Followed by the Class of 2015

OPENING REMARKS

Stephen Henry, Massachusetts Chapter Banquet Chairman

Krista Graff, State Director, National Wrestling Hall of Fame

OUTSTANDING AMERICAN Mike Pyle, Businessman, elite college referee

DINNER SERVICEPlated Meal with Dessert

CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMSChelmsford High School 1990

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT INDUCTEES

Steve Tassini PRESENTED BY BILL FARRINGTON 

Neal Zonfrelli PRESENTED BY ANTHONY ZONFRELLI

Bruce RichPRESENTED BY BRUCE RICH JR.

Manny CostaPRESENTED BY JC HONER

PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS OF 2015Donning of the Jackets

CLOSING REMARKSSteven Biondolillo

STATE DIRECTOR  

Welcome! I am excited to welcome you to our Massachusetts Chapter banquet and induction cer-emony for 2015. This year marks Massachusetts’s 14th class of inductees into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s State Chapter program.

The NWHOF Board of Governors are grateful to our State Chapter volunteer leaders in Massachusetts for reminding its wrestling community each year of how important it is to preserve the heritage of our sports’ most prominent legacy makers.

The individuals being honored here today are indeed members of a great mission and legacy in our sport and in your state. They are not only heroes to the people they have impacted through their work in the sport and beyond, but are an inspiration to future generations. It is through their examples of dedication, service, and leadership that builds and sustains our sport one individual, one program, and one community at a time.

Lee Roy Smith EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

Yes, this program and our honorees from the state of Massachusetts are perpetuating a pay-it-forward culture in our sport and in your communities.

On behalf of the Board of Governors of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, I want to congratulate the honorees being inducted today. Their names will appear in the John Vaughan Hall of Honors at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Hopefully you will visit the Hall of Fame with your family and friends.

In the spirit of preserving, honoring and recognizing.

Very Sincerely, Lee Roy Smith Executive Director, NWHOF

Krista Graff and Mike Clair STATE CHAPTER DIRECTORS, NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

THE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

Welcome to the 14th Honors Banquet sponsored by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. This being my first banquet in Massachusetts I look forward to enjoying the evening with each of you as we celebrate the Class of 2015 and their great accomplishments.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame is committed to preserving the history of wrestling, recognizing excellence and inspiring generations through our state chapters and the two museums in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Waterloo, Iowa. The Stillwater museum is currently closed and under renovation. I encourage you to begin planning your trip to visit your hall of fame beginning in June 2016. Upon the completion of the Stillwater renovation we will turn our focus to our Waterloo museum.

Tonight, your Massachusetts Chapter contin-ues its tradition of recognizing excellence. The Massachusetts Chapter board of directors is committed to working closely with the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to safeguard the sport of wrestling’s future. Special thanks to the board for their tireless effort spent to recognize this year’s outstanding class of honorees would be inducted during this evening’s program.

I ask that you join me in celebrating the remark-able accomplishments and the service to the sport of each of these inductees. Enjoy your evening of celebration!

The mission of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is to pro-mote and strengthen the sport of wrestling in Massachusetts. We do this by preserving the history of Massachusetts wrestling, recognizing its excellence, and inspiring future generations to learn from our great sport.

Individuals who have made significant lifetime contributions to Massachusetts Wrestling may be inducted into the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in one of three categories:

LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING: an indi-vidual who has dedicated at least twenty years of meaningful service to the sport of wrestling.

MEDAL OF COURAGE: a wrestler or former wres-tler who has overcome insurmountable challenges or made heroic sacrifices.

OUTSTANDING AMERICAN: a former wrestler who has applied lessons learned from wrestling to achieve notable success in another area of life.

Our inductees are enshrined in the State Chapter Gallery of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Museum in Stillwater OK. In the museum, our

inductees take their rightful place alongside other wrestling greats from across the country who have contributed to the sport of wrestling.

The DAVE SCHULTZ EXCELLENCE AWARD is presented by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to the top wrestler from each state who displays outstanding character and academic performance. In addition, the Massachusetts Chapter selects exceptional student-athletes who aspire to wrestle in college for JAMES PECKHAM SCHOLARSHIPS.

The MASSACHUSETTS WRESTLING ROOTS and the BAY STATE PRIDE awards are presented to individuals who have made other contributions to the Massachusetts wrestling community. Coach-of-the-year, outstanding wrestler, and various honors are presented to recognize stellar performances by athletes, officials, and coaches.

We take great pride in the Massachusetts State Chapter programs, including our website (http://nwhof.org/massachusetts/), our spring awards ceremony, and our fall induction banquet. All of these things preserve our wrestling heri-tage and celebrate the individuals who have made notable contributions to Massachusetts wrestling.

If you would like to nominate an individual for recognition or support the mission of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, please contact one of our members.

Tom Bartosek

Rich Gorham

Phil Gormley

Stephen Henry

Ray Miro

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MISSION STATEMENTTHE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

John Puleo

Matt Quimby

Steve Biondolillo (Emeritus)

Greg Wilson (Advisory Member)

Laura Driver (Advisory Member)

2015 HONOREESManny Costa (St. John’s Prep) Lifetime Service to Wrestling Mike Pyle (NCAA Wrestling Official & Contributor) Outstanding AmericanBruce Rich (Chelmsford) Lifetime Service to WrestlingSteve Tassini (Wrestling Official & Administrator) Lifetime Service to WrestlingNeal Zonfrelli (Collegiate & High School Wrestling Official) Lifetime Service to Wrestling

PAST HONOREES

INDUCTEES THE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

CLASS OF 2014Mark Donovan, Lifetime Service to Wrestling Chip Dunn, Lifetime Service to Wrestling Brian Gallagher, Lifetime Service to Wrestling Larry Tremblay, Lifetime Service to Wrestling Greg Wilson, Outstanding American

CLASS OF 2013Steven H. Biondolillo, Outstanding AmericanRick Bowe, Massachusetts Wrestling RootsCarmine Colace, Lifetime Service to WrestlingGlen Doherty, Medal of CourageRay Miro, Lifetime Service to WrestlingNick Zacchilli, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2012Gary Chase, Lifetime Service to WrestlingDeke Conklin, Lifetime Service to WrestlingTom Darrin, Lifetime Service to WrestlingWarren Farrell, Massachusetts Wrestling RootsPhil Gormley, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2011Fran Cranston, Lifetime Service to WrestlingColin Kilrain, Outstanding AmericanJoe LeVasseur, Lifetime Service to WrestlingDennis Puleo, Lifetime Service to WrestlingJohn Puleo, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2010Stephen Henry, Lifetime Service to WrestlingFrank Millard, Lifetime Service to WrestlingFred Scyocurka, Lifetime Service to WrestlingOtis Tholander, Lifetime Service to WrestlingBrian Urquhart, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2009Dave Baldanza, Lifetime Service to WrestlingRod Buttry, Lifetime Service to WrestlingTim Donovan, Medal of CouragePhil Tomkiel, Lifetime Service to WrestlingSteve Ward, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2008John Putnam, Lifetime Service to WrestlingRobert Rudolph, Lifetime Service to WrestlingRick Sullivan, Outstanding AmericanEric Turner, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2007Norm Bouley, Lifetime Service to WrestlingAndy McNerney, Lifetime Service to WrestlingFrank Smith, Lifetime Service to WrestlingVinnie Viglione, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2005John McLaughlin, Lifetime Service to WrestlingFrank Millard, Lifetime Service to WrestlingDenis Mulvihill, Lifetime Service to WrestlingBob Skelton, Lifetime Service to WrestlingTim Walsh, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2003Frank Ball, Lifetime Service to WrestlingNorm Collier, Lifetime Service to WrestlingPhil Grebinar, Lifetime Service to WrestlingStan Holmes, Lifetime Service to WrestlingAlex Steinbergh, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2002Carl Adams, Lifetime Service to WrestlingMike Defazio, Lifetime Service to WrestlingPeter Fuller, Lifetime Service to WrestlingDick Griffin, Lifetime Service to WrestlingRick Moyer, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 2000George Bossi, Lifetime Service to WrestlingHoward “Tug” Crozier, Lifetime Service to WrestlingJohn Lee, Lifetime Service to WrestlingGeorge Myerson, Lifetime Service to WrestlingBill White, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

CLASS OF 1999Louis Andrews, Lifetime Service to WrestlingJohn Harkness, Lifetime Service to WrestlingKen Mallory, Lifetime Service to WrestlingDoug Parker, Lifetime Service to WrestlingJames Peckham, Lifetime Service to Wrestling

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONChelmsford 1990

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Recognized for coining the term “signature event,” Steven Biondolillo is the nation’s leading developer of branded, large-scale special-event fundraising programs. Among his firm’s land-mark walkathons are national leaders in the areas of breast cancer and hunger, and among its “sig-nature events” are many national “firsts,” includ-ing the first film and video production festival for children, holiday ornament fundraising cam-paign, CEO-driven literacy/mentoring program, and service corps focused on the cardiovascular health and wellness of the American public.

Additionally, Steven has developed what is widely regarded to be the nation’s premiere training program in the field of special-event fundrais-ing, and has trained over 12,000 nonprofit staff and volunteers. Since 1984, fundraisers developed by Biondolillo Associates have raised over $1 billion.

Until 1982, Steven was an elite freestyle wrestler and medalist in national and international competition, including the World Maccabiah Games, the Canadian University National Championships (formerly CIAUs), the New York Athletic Club International Tournament, the Quebec Open, and the National Preparatory School Championships. Additionally, he was selected to represent both the United States (2X) and Canada (2X) in international dual-meet competition. From 1992–1997, Steven served on the coaching staff of Boston College’s NCAA Division I wrestling program. In 2013, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an “Outstanding American” from Massachusetts.

Steven’s op-ed pieces on amateur sports and child welfare have appeared in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Atlanta Constitution, Miami Herald, Boston Herald, Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, Union Leader, and Amateur Wrestling News, and the second edition of his book, Macaroni and Cheese Manifesto, was published in 2013.

THE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

STEVEN H. BIONDOLILLO - MASTER OF CEREMONIESPRESIDENT, BIONDOLILLO ASSOCIATES, INC.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, I want to extend a cordial welcome to you for attending our 14th annual induction ceremony to recognize five distinguished hon-orees for their substantial role in the history of Massachusetts wrestling.

Our inductee’s achievements are recognized by the prestigious National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater Oklahoma. The mis-sion of the Hall of Fame is to preserve history,

recognize excellence, and inspire future generations. Each of this year’s inductees has risen to the pinnacle of excellence in our sport, in areas of coaching, officiating, and administration.

Our five inductees are successful coaches and officials who have made a pos-itive impact on the character development of thousands of Massachusetts wrestlers. These men are also leaders in the Massachusetts High School Wrestling Coaches Association and Wrestling Officials Association. Our inductees have served as officers and administrators in the leadership posi-tions of these associations for many years. The sport of wrestling has grown and flourished in our state because of the vision and resolve of this year’s honorees.

In addition, several of this year’s inductees have officiated in colleges and universities in New England and around the nation at the NCAA Regional and National Championships including the NCAA Division I level.

Your presence this evening in order to celebrate and recognize our honorees’ contributions is a meaningful tribute to these outstanding men and makes this evening’s observance memorable for all.

The Board of Directors wants to extend a special “Thank You” to Krista Graff, our State Chapter Director, who has worked to strengthen our Massachusetts Chapter and to also welcome this year’s inductees into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Stephen W. Henry Massachusetts Chapter Treasurer, 2015 Banquet Chairman

STEPHEN HENRY BANQUET CHAIRMAN

Mike Pyle

Mike Pyle grew up in Westford with his parents, Richard and Eleanor, sis-ters Pam and Nancy, and his brother John. He has been actively involved in our sport since he started wrestling in high school at Westford Academy in 1966 for Coaches Chet Steele and John Morris. Mike then went on to Lowell Tech (UMass-Lowell) to wrestle for two seasons under the tutelage of Dr. Ray Sparks.

Mike’s most notable contributions to Massachusetts wrestling came as a referee. His officiating career began in 1972 when George Bossi, Commissioner of Officials, recruited the college sophomore to join the newly formed Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Association (MIWOA).

Over the next 19 years Mike officiated numerous Massachusetts Sectional and State Championships, 15 Lowell Holiday Tournaments and six New England Championships. Mike’s participation in the MIWOA extended beyond the mat, as he served on the Executive Board at every elected posi-tion for at least one term.

From 1978 until 1984 Mike coached a highly respected Bishop Guertin High wrestling team of Nashua, NH, leading the Cardinals to the 1982 State title. Mike attributes much of Bishop Guertin’s success during those years to a schedule stacked with Massachusetts opponents, following the adage

“To be the best you have to beat the best.”

In 1982 the New England Intercollegiate Wrestling Officials Association (NEIWOA) Commissioner Phil Grebinar encouraged Mike to join the NEIWOA. From 1986 to 1991 Mike worked six New England NCAA D1 qualifying tournaments. He also served on the Executive Board at the elected positions of At-Large Representative, Vice President and President. In 1988 he officiated his first of nine NCAA D1 National championships. He was selected Finals Bout Head Official seven times. Mike then continued working as a D1 Referees’ Evaluator for six national tournaments.

The National Federation of High Schools, the governing body for high school athletics competition rules, appointed Mike to the National Wrestling Rules Committee for a four-year term beginning in 1990. The following year Mike accepted a National sales position with DeLong Sportswear which meant moving his family - his daughter, Meghan, her half-sister, Kara, and their mom - to Grinnell, Iowa.

“I would not have been able to progress to the highest levels of our country’s wrestling scene without the exemplary foundation and model of integrity provided by the Massachusetts wrestling community.”

OUTSTANDING AMERICANTHE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

Mike continued officiating high school meets and travelled nationally, working NCAA assign-ments including five NCAA D1 National Duals championships, three Big 10 championships and three PAC 10 championships. Mike’s most memorable assignment was refereeing the 1992 dual between the #1 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, coached by Dan Gable and the #2 ranked Iowa State Cyclones at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, on live TV, before an NCAA record dual meet crowd of over 15,300 avid wrestling fans.

In 1991 Mike was elected Vice President of the National Wrestling Officials Association (NWOA), an office he held for 13 years. In 1996 the NWOA honored Mike with the Golden Whistle Award for Life-Time Achievement in the Art of Wrestling Officiating.

Mike returned to Massachusetts in 1998 and he worked another five seasons for the MIWOA.

In 2002 Mike and Barb Ginsberg met and a whirlwind romance ensued. Bringing some very special people into his world. Barb’s Daughter Robyn, her boyfriend Sam, her son Joshua and his fiancé Margarita, and her son Eric. And Barb’s indomitable ninety-five year mother Reah.

Mike retired from officiating in 2005 when he and Barb moved to Pennsylvania where he assumed the position of National Sales Manager for Resilite Sports Products, the country’s lead-ing wrestling mat manufacturer. And the official mat supplier to the NCAA championships since 1963.

Earlier this year Mike left Resilite to start up ISC, Innovative Sales Consulting, providing counsel to sales managers and individual sales representatives, thus utilizing his thirty five-plus years of successful sales and sales management experience.

Mike reflects on his nearly 50 years in the sport, stating, “Wrestling has always been at the core of my being ever since I first experienced the exhilaration and pride of pinning an opponent, and the surge of determination to get-it-back after having been pinned. I would not have been able to progress to the highest levels of our country’s wrestling scene without the exemplary foundation and model of integrity provided by the Massachusetts wrestling community.”

Congratulations to Mike Pyle. The 2015 National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Massachusetts Chapter’s

“Outstanding American.”

Neal Zonfrelli

Neal Zonfrelli is the fifth of seven siblings and the youngest of three boys born to Anthony and Joan Zonfrelli. Over 40 years ago his eldest brother Michael first exposed Neal to the sport of wrestling at the age of nine. Michael was part of a group of young men who started the first wrestling team at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School under Coach Stan Holmes. The next oldest brother Barry carried on the tradition and exceled in the sport in both high school and college.

As a three-sport athlete at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, Neal exceled in both wrestling and football. In wrestling he compiled a 92-11 record; was inducted into the B-R Athletic Hall of Fame as a sophomore, junior, and senior; was a two-time Sectional Champion and Outstanding Wrestler of the Year, and was named a Boston Globe All-Scholastic. As a junior he posted an unblemished regular season mark of 18-0, grabbed top honors in the prestigious Lowell Holiday Tournament, placed 2nd in States and 4th in New England. Co-captain of the team his senior year, Neal posted a regular season mark of 17-0, with 17 pins, without allowing an opponent to score a single point against him. He would go on to win the All State Tournament, but due to problems posed by Proposition 2 ½, Massachusetts wrestlers were not allowed to compete in the New England Tournament.

Neal was also tri-captain of the history-making 1981 Trojan football team, leading them to an undefeated Old Colony League Championship. He was a two-time OCL All Star as well as two-time member of the Taunton Daily Gazette All-Scholastic team. Neal was a member of the Boston Globe All Star, Boston Herald All State and Brockton Enterprise All-Scholastic teams, and a Shriners football game participant.

Neal would continue his athletic career in college, attending the University of New Hampshire on a full football scholarship, while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Even though Neal had no intention of wrestling in college, UNH wres-tling Coach Jim Urquhart had other plans and convinced him otherwise. A three-year letterman in both football and wrestling, Neal capped an excellent athletic career at UNH by being elected co-captain of both the football and wrestling teams. His defensive abilities as a linebacker earned him Yankee Conference Defensive Player of the Year, 2-time All Yankee Conference, All New England, All ECAC, and 2-time honorable mention All American accolades.

“The great fortunes in my personal life and the success I have achieved professionally can all be attributed to the lessons I’ve learned from the true grit of this sport.”

LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLINGTHE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

In wrestling Neal achieved additional honors, namely, two-time Division 1 New England finalist, Northern New England Invitational Champion and MVP, Division 1 New England Champion, and NCAA Division 1 National com-petitor. Neal was inducted into the UNH Hall of Fame in 1994 for both football and wrestling.

After college, Neal continued his involvement with the sport of wrestling by becoming an official. He was a member of the MIWOA for 25 years where he refereed numerous High School Sectional, State, All State, and New England Tournaments. He was also a member of the NEIWOA for 19 years where he offici-ated 17 NCAA Division III National Qualifier Tournaments. In 2011, Neal was named the ‘Official of the Year’ by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association.

Neal comments, “The great fortunes in my personal life and the success I have achieved professionally can all be attributed to the lessons I’ve learned from the true grit of this sport. There were several influential people who contributed to my successes as an athlete – my parents, my brothers Michael and Barry, my high school coach Stan Holmes and my college coach Jim Urquhart; my success as an official was due to the guidance of Phil Grebinar, Bobby German, Dennis Mulvihill, George Bossi, and Brian Manzi.

“I am most grateful for my wife Laurie and daughter Lexi, who without their love and sup-port, my dedication to the sport and success as a referee would not have been possible.”

Neal is a Senior Vice President at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company located in Boston, MA.

In recognition of his many years of service to the sport of wrestling, The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honor-ing Neal Zonfrelli with its Award for Lifetime Service to Wresting.

LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLINGTHE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

Steve Tassini

Steve Tassini was a four year starter at Fabius-Pompey High School, located near Syracuse, New York, where he amassed an 85-7 record in the days before quads, tri-meets and two-day tournaments. He was part of a League Championship and Class D Championship team, won 10 tournaments, three league titles, a Section 3 Class D Championship and was a two-year captain of his high school team.

Looking back, Steve recalls, “Staying focused on wrestling during high school provided the direction and the drive for achievement that I needed to get through some challenging years.”

Steve’s wrestling career essentially ended when he was diagnosed with mononucleosis mid-way through his senior year. He became the first wrestler on the Fabius “Wall-of Fame,” and was presented the “I Dare You” award at graduation for leadership and perseverance. The Tily family provided daily support and a caring family life; his brother Rusty provided inspiration and direction for wrestling and beyond; and above all, Steve’s mother, June Tassini, was the guiding spirit during those years.

Steve attended SUNY-Canton after high school. After two years of college in upstate NY, Steve moved to Waltham, Massachusetts where he started his career in engineering while continued his education at Northeastern University and Emmanuel College. It was at this time that Steve turned to officiating in order to stay involved in wrestling.

He found a helpful and organized group in the Massachusetts Officials Association (MIWOA). Learning to officiate would prove to be a challenge – mostly in clashes with coaches. Arguing with refs was foreign to Steve – it wasn’t allowed on his high school team. Within two years Steve did his first Sectional Tournament under the supportive eyes of Bill White and Bill Farrington. In his third year, he officiated his first State Tournament and has officiated 34 straight years of MIAA Sectional Tournaments. He saw a streak of 31 straight-years of State Tournament end in 2014. He has officiated New England Tournaments, the Lowell Holidays, spent 20 years officiating the Marshfield Christmas Tournament and has enjoyed countless dual meets from Nauset to Lowell. All told, he has officiated well over 25,000 high school bouts (Varsity & JV).

“It is a great honor to be involved with the sport of wrestling at any level. Wrestling does more good for people and makes more people good than anything.”

In 2000, the long-time MIWOA secretary-treasurer retired and Steve took on the chal-lenge of replacing perhaps the most organized person in the history of organizations – Eric Turner. The very next year Steve was elected to the Commissioner’s job along-side George Bossi. Since that time, Steve’s free time has been filled with everything wrestling – seemingly year-round. Whether it be recruiting new officials; debating tactics with the MIAA; listening to coaches; organizing schedules with ADs; adjust-ing schedules with ADs; planning a banquet or an executive board meeting; creating a mentor-ing program; disciplining an official; ordering rules books or arm bands; organizing one of the three annual officials’ training meetings; attend-ing the coaches meeting or a league meeting; fielding 4000+ emails a year; or simply counsel-ing an official on right from wrong – there is barely a day throughout the year where wrestling isn’t part of his agenda. Thankfully Steve’s employer and co-workers have been supportive to wrestling as well!

Steve’s involvement as a wrestler, an official and as an administrator for over 45 years tells more about the great sport of wrestling than anything else. Steve credits his involvement in Massachusetts wrestling to the on-going support and love he received from his wife Sharon and his two daughters, Kristin and Jessilyn.

Steve adds, “It is a great honor to be involved with the sport of wrestling at any level. Wrestling does more good for people and makes more people good than anything. It is with humil-ity and yet with great honor to be an inductee into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

– Massachusetts Chapter with such icons as George Bossi, Phil Grebinar, Bill White, Jim Peckham (to name a few) and to be in the class with Bruce Rich, Manny Costas, Neal Zonfrelli and Mike Pyle.”

In recognition of his many years of service to the sport of wrestling, The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honoring Steve Tassini with its Award for Lifetime Service to Wrestling.

LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLINGTHE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

Bruce Rich

Bruce Rich started his wrestling career as a freshman at Chelmsford High School. If he had his way he would have played basketball, but his older brother Jim won the 145 pound State Championship so Bruce had little choice but to wrestle. Four years later Bruce was a state place winner and team captain.

After graduating from Chelmsford, Bruce was awarded a football scholar-ship to Boston University where he was an All-New England cornerback. During the winter, when the rest of the football team was lifting weights, Bruce took his talents to the mats. He became a four-year starter and wrestled for two New England Championship teams. Individually, he won two Yankee Conference championships.

Upon graduation from BU in 1977, Bruce was hired by Brookline High School as an assistant football coach and head wrestling coach. His one-year at Brookline was a memorable one as the wrestling team had its first win-ning season in almost a decade.

In 1978, as luck would have it, Bruce was hired in his hometown of Chelmsford to start the adapted Physical Education program. He went on to teach for 35 years. Upon his hiring he also became an assistant foot-ball coach for the legendary Tom Caito and assisted Hall of Famer Randy Whitehead in wrestling.

Upon Coach Whitehead’s retirement in 1979, Bruce took over as head wrestling coach and amassed an impressive record. In his 37 years as a head coach, his teams won 11 conference titles, five MIAA State Championships, two Coaches Association Dual Meet State titles, the 1986 New England Champions, and received two national rankings. Recently retired, Bruce’s overall record was 554 wins, 136 losses, and 7 ties (an 80% winning percent-age). He never had a losing season.

In 1996 Bruce assumed the head football position at Chelmsford when Tom Caito started the Merrimack College program. In his 19 years as head coach, Bruce’s teams won seven conference titles, made five Superbowl appear-ances, and were the 2007 Superbowl Champions. He was fortunate enough to coach his three sons, Bruce, Ed, and Tim, who were All-Conference quarterbacks on four Superbowl teams. His sons also wrestled, where they all excelled, earning individual honors.

“I am honored to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. I am especially thankful for all the support I have received from my family.”

For 24 years, Bruce was the head softball coach, where his teams won ten league championships, three sectional championships and were the 1999 State Champions. He coached his daughter Meghan, a Globe All-Scholastic pitcher. Recently Bruce hit a major milestone, surpassing 1000 career victories for all three sports.

Bruce’s coaching style has been consistent over the years. His “hard work pays off” approach has been the key to success, and “always keep it fun” kept the kids coming back.

Bruce comments, “I am honored to be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. I am especially thankful for all the support I have received from my family. My parents, Jim and Rosemary Rich, seldom missed a contest and are two of the CHS Lions biggest fans. I would like to give special thanks to my beautiful wife of 31 years, Peg; the early morning weigh-ins, the long Saturdays in the gym, listening to all the ‘war sto-ries’ and for just being there for the entire family.”

Bruce shares the credit for Chelmsford’s wres-tling success. He points out, “Many assistant coaches have contributed along the way, includ-ing Chip Dunn, Jim Deprofio, Chris McArthur, Rob Russo, Dave Brennan, Jeff Jennings, John Hickey, Tom Caito, Dave Mills, Dennis King, Scott Moreau, Steve McClure, Roy Mendonca, Dave Daigneault, Todd Ahern, Jon Clement, Todd Ducharme, Toby Ducharme, Brian Viglione, Dan Warshafsky, Bruce Rich Jr., Pat McCabe, Aaron Mounsey, Tyler Carmoli, Eli Gioumbakis, Mike McLarney, Mark Bienvenu, Anthony Bebon, James Clasen and Tom Fleming.”

In recognition of his many years of service to the sport of wrestling, The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honoring Bruce Rich with its Award for Lifetime Service to Wrestling.

LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLINGTHE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

Manny Costa

Manny Costa graduated from Peabody High School in 1983. He earned his undergraduate degree from Salem State University and a Masters from Anna Maria College.

He was a two-time High School All-American in judo and a national team member from 1981-1990. Manny was also a resident and captain at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was an alternate to the 1987 and 1989 World Teams and the 1988 Olympic Team. While a member of the United States squad Manny took Gold at the Junior Pan-Am Games, fourth at the Junior World Championships, bronze at the World Police and Fire Games, bronze at the Senior Pan-Am Championships and a bronze at the US Open.

In 1990 Manny assumed the reins of the St. John’s Preparatory High School wrestling program at the age of 24. He heard about the coaching vacancy while talking to his long-time friend Steve Ring. Manny immediately applied for the position and met with Principal Brother Drinnan and AD Fred Glatz who offered him the job.

Under Manny’s leadership, the Eagles have won two Dual Meet State Titles (2013 & 2015) and they were runners-up twice (2012 & 2014). During the Costa-era, St. John’s has earned three D-1 North Titles, 22 D-1 Top 10 finishes, two All-State runners-up, a third in New England in 2001 and a fourth in New England in 2007. St. John’s has also earned two MIWOA Sportsmanship Awards and 20 Catholic Conference Championships.

With Manny as coach, St. John’s Prep has produced seven New England Champions, 12 All-State Champions, 25 D-1 State Champions (including his son, Jared), 35 D-1 North Sectional Champions, 19 Boston Herald All-Scholastics and 17 Boston Globe All-Scholastics.

Manny has coached 8 All-Americans and 3 Honorable Mention All-Americans. He has also coached two 200+ match winners, 34 100+ match winners, four wrestlers with 100+ career pins and four wrestlers who have amassed 1,000+ career points.

Along with the hard work on the mat, Manny has also stressed the impor-tance of education. His teams have earned 19 MIAA Academic Achievement (GOLD) Awards. The 2015 St. John’s team recorded an astounding 3.98 GPA and the 2013 team had a 3.97 GPA. Manny is extremely proud to have coached 53 Academic All-Americans.

Manny was chosen as the 1999 Wrestling USA Magazine National Coach of the Year (COY) runner-up. He was also a three-time Boston Globe, one-time MIAA, and four-time D-1 North COY. He was inducted into the MIWCA

“I am honored to have coached every wrestler that has stepped onto the St. John’s Prep mats. I would like to thank the wrestlers and their parents for their dedication and support throughout the years.”

State Hall of Fame in 2010, the New England Council Hall of Fame in 2011 and the St. John’s Prep Hall of Fame in 2014. Presently Manny’s overall dual meet record is 599-135-5.

Manny comments, “I am honored to have coached every wrestler that has stepped onto the St. John’s Prep mats. I would like to thank the wrestlers and their parents for their dedication and support throughout the years. I am honored to accept the award/induction on behalf of the entire SJP wrestling community.

“I have been blessed to have been able to coach both of my sons and share winning a state team title while both were competing on varsity. I cherish the memories of having my sons brought up with so many ‘brothers’ teaching them the importance of education, teamwork, sacrifice and hard work. All this would not be possible without my parents Manny and Rose, and my sister Maureen.”

His prep teams have been consistent winners throughout Manny’s tenure. Manny states that “This a reflection on all of my dedicated assistants: Steve Baker, JC Honer, Steve Eddy, Kevin Cote, Mark Skandier, David Blais, Steve Campbell, Frank Gwynne and Mike Anderson.”

Manny has proudly served on the MIWCA execu-tive board for seventeen years, as a sectional representative and later as its president. He is a member of the Peabody Police Department since 1989 and is currently assigned to Peabody HS as the juvenile/SRO.

In recognition of his many years of service to the sport of wrestling, The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honoring Manny Costa with its Award for Lifetime Service to Wrestling.

The Peckham Family would like to recognize the past recipients of the James C. Peckham Scholarship Award:

AWARD YEAR RECIPIENT HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE

2015 Fritz Hoehn North Andover High School Edinboro University

2015 Brandon Casamassima

Worcester Academy Gettysburg College

2014 Chris Sullivan Canton High School Coast Guard Academy

2014 Christian Vallis Phillips Andover Academy Johns Hopkins University

2013 Aaron Conrad Bridgewater-Raynham High School Boston University

2013 Ryan Neals North Andover High School University of Massachusetts

2013 Jim Ryan Dracut High School Roger Williams College

2013 Mike Stewart Dracut High School Ellsworth Community College

2013 Geoff Verallis Northfield Mount Hermon School Drexel University

2012 Logan David King Philip High School Cornell University

2012 Mike Mui Hingham High School Merchant Marine Academy

2012 Ryan O’Boyle Central Catholic School McDaniel College

2012 Jeffrey Ott Belmont Hill School Harvard University

Through their actions and their character, these young men are perpetuating the legacy of James Peckham, the founder of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Coach Peckham believed in the power of education and understood the value of wrestling as a foundation upon which to build one’s life.

PECKHAM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSTHE MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

2015 Jonathan Viruet Springfield Central High School

2014 Christian Monserrat Methuen High School

2013 Leo Trindade Billerica High School

2012 Jeffrey Ott Belmont Hill School

2011 Kyle Visconti Malden Catholic High School

2010 Derek Papagianopoulos Buckingham, Browne & Nichols

2009 Miguel Guzman Greater Lawrence High School

2008 John Sughrue Methuen High School

2007 Sean Bilodeau Brooks School

2006 Brian Sheehan Lowell High School

2005 Casey Boyle Lowell High School

2004 Joe Fendone Central Catholic High School

2003 Mike Arone Waltham High School

2002 Mike Pedro St. John’s Preparatory School

2001 Mike Parziale Woburn High School

2000 Steve Heleniak Franklin High School

1999 Nathan Cote St. John’s Preparatory School

1998 Mark Laramee Rockland (Northeast Regional Winner)

1997 Conan Leary Tabor Academy

DAVE SCHULTZ AWARD

M

ASSACHUSETT

S

NATIONAL

WRESTLING HALL

OFFAME

BRIAN GALLAGHER

MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER

NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING

PRESERVING HISTORY ~ RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE ~ INSPIRING GENERATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS STEVE TASSINI

From All Of Us AtBRZEK INCORPORATED

 

the newest member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Joe Annese Matt Boyd Chris Cento

Herb Morrison Jim Robinson Bob Tuffy

…and all your friends at MCC    

1990 Chelmsford High SchoolMassachusetts State Championship Wrestling Team

The Massachusetts Chapter of theNational wrestling Hall of FameIs proud to honor the

M

ASSACHUSETT

S

NATIONAL

WRESTLING HALL

OFFAME

BRIAN GALLAGHER

MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER

NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING

PRESERVING HISTORY ~ RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE ~ INSPIRING GENERATIONS

E N G I N E E R S · C O N T R A C T O R S

CONGRATULATIONS

STEVE TASSINI NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

LIFETIME SERVICE

WRESTLING OFFICIAL & ADMINISTRATOR

276 LIBBEY PARKWAY WEYMOUTH, MA 02189

(781) 331-0900

Congratulations to

MANNY COSTA

to soar as athletes, scholars and young men of character.

ST.JOHN’S PREP

Mike Chapman and his friends at HUB International congratulate

NEAL ZONFRELLI for the Massachusetts National

Wrestling Hall of FameHUB International is a leading global insurance brokerage that provides risk management services and a broad array of property and casualty, life and health, voluntary benefits and personal lines insurance.

www.hubinternational.com

Congratulations Manny!Thanks for teaching us ‘the reverse grip’JC HONER, STEVE CAMPBELL, FRANKIE GWYNNE, AARON NIMAN, MARK SKANDIER

From your fellow Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Association friends:

Joseph Audet Lance Baden Kirk Benson

George Bossi Dave Capone Joe Capone

Mark Corner Peter Fiore Phil Gormley

Phil Grebinar Ed Hanley Jae Ko

Greg Lennon John Lopresti Mike Manganaro

Denis Mulvihill Ted Neill Mike Pyle

Matt Quimby Jim Reger Dom Sardo

Bob Scandurra Mike Stuer Steve Tassini

Jay Doubman Brian Urquart Dan Buckley

Kevin Brunelle Bob Germann

Congratulations to Neal Zonfrelli for your induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on November 14, 2015.

From your fellow Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Association friends:

Joseph Audet Lance Baden Kirk Benson

George Bossi Dave Capone Joe Capone

Mark Corner Peter Fiore Phil Gormley

Phil Grebinar Ed Hanley Jae Ko

Greg Lennon John Lopresti Mike Manganaro

Denis Mulvihill Ted Neill Mike Pyle

Matt Quimby Jim Reger Dom Sardo

Bob Scandurra Mike Stuer Steve Tassini

Jay Doubman Brian Urquart Neal Zonfrelli

Dan Buckley Kevin Brunelle Bob Germann

“Hey ref, what are you blind ??? That’s not 2 !!! Where’s the control??? “

Congratulations to Mike Pyle for your induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on November 14, 2015.

STEVE TASSINI

Congratulations

Thank You

Wrestler Official Commissioner Officer Leader Fan

National Wrestling Hall of Famer 35 Years an Official 33 Sectionals 30 Divisional States

11 All-State Tournaments 6 State Duals 2 New Englands

With gratitude, respect, and appreciation

Your Friends in Wrestling

Joe Audet Lance Baden Tom Bartosek Kirk Benson George Bossi Dan Buckley David Capone Joe Capone Mark Corner Jay Doubman Bill Farrington Peter Fiore Pat Gallagher Bob Germann Phil Gormley Phil Grebinar Ed Hanley Jae Ko Greg Lennon John Lopresti Mike Manganaro Denis Mulvihill Danny Murphy Ted Neill Matt Quimby Dom Sardo Bob Scandurra Michael Stuer Brian Urquhart Neal Zonfrelli The MIWOA

The friends, colleagues and wrestlers of

Bruce Richcongratulate him on his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his Lifetime Service to Wrestling!

       

Congratula*ons  to  NEAL  ZONFRELLI    for  over  30  years  of  dis.nguished  success  and  dedicated  service  to  

Massachuse6s  Wrestling.  You  were  a  Fierce  Compe.tor,  Highly  Respected  Official  &  Friend  to  our  beloved  sport.  

         

 •  Bridgewater-­‐Raynham's  1st  All  State  Champion  (1982)  •  NE  Champion  &  NaBonal  Qualifier  @  UNH  (1984)  •  B-­‐R  &  UNH  Wrestling  Hall  of  Fame  •  MIAA  HS  &  NCAA  Wrestling  Official  

From  your  loving  Family,  Friends,  Coaches  &  Teammates  

NEAL, MIKE, STEVE, MANNY AND BRUCE

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR INDUCTION INTO THE

NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME

MIWCAMassachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association

The New England Intercollegiate Wrestling Officials Association congratulates our three past members for their induction into the Massachusetts Chapter of the

National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Congratulations: Mike Pyle, Steve Tassini, Neal Zonfrelli

Congratulations to my husband, father, brother, co-worker, Golfing-buddy, friend Your dedication and determination go far beyond wrestling

Steve Tassini - National Wrestling Hall of Fame Deb & Joe Annese Patti Arman Steve Bowler Bill Farrington Pat & Roy Forsberg Pete Hmylar Val Jackson Tom Kane The Kiddie Family Gerry & Jeff Lynch Peter Martin Laurie & Bob Munro Terry Powers Lisa & Steve Rafferty Denny & David Rielly Brooke Rodgers Saul Schrader The Scollin Family The Schoolcraft’s Beth & Buddy Tassini Pat & Rusty Tassini Phil Tripoli The Tripp Family Aliette & Gary Vogel Debbie & Bob Vogel Jeff & Theresa Green Jessi, Kristin and Sharon Tassini Stacey & Robert Genduso

Congratulations to my husband, father, brother, co-worker, Golfing-buddy, friend Your dedication and determination go far beyond wrestling

Steve Tassini - National Wrestling Hall of Fame Deb & Joe Annese Patti Arman Steve Bowler Bill Farrington Pat & Roy Forsberg Pete Hmylar Val Jackson Tom Kane The Kiddie Family Gerry & Jeff Lynch Peter Martin Laurie & Bob Munro Terry Powers Lisa & Steve Rafferty Denny & David Rielly Brooke Rodgers Saul Schrader The Scollin Family The Schoolcraft’s Beth & Buddy Tassini Pat & Rusty Tassini Phil Tripoli The Tripp Family Aliette & Gary Vogel Debbie & Bob Vogel Jeff & Theresa Green Jessi, Kristin and Sharon Tassini Stacey & Robert Genduso

The Peckham Advisory Board would to thank all of the contributors to the James Peckham Scholarship Fund.

The Fund provides financial assistance to deserving high school students who aspire to wrestle in college. The Peckham Advisory Board collaborates with the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame to perpetuate the legacy of Jim Peckham by selecting annual award recipients who embody the character and spirit of our beloved friend and mentor.

Congratulations Coach Pyle from your Bishop Guertin 1980-1984 teams

Dave Beaulieu, Scott Creamer, John Esposito,  Jay Franks, David Hegel, Jim Hunter,  Steven Knauff, Eric Lagerquist, Mark F. Roberts,  Mike Schramm, Mike Wallace, & Bill Werner

The Board of Directors of theNational Wrestling Hall of Fame -Massachusetts Chapter would like to congratulate Manny, Steve, Neal, Bruce and Mike on your induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.