Schools

Former Winchester Wrestler Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Frank Fodera Jr. has a Winchester High School wrestling record in Mass. that has never been broken - 50-0 - and he's being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The following was submitted by Sherry Alpert.

It’s been a long wait for Frank Fodera, Jr. since 1997, when he became one of only five athletes in the history of Massachusetts high school wrestling to be voted “Outstanding Wrestler” not once, but twice.

Fodera, Principal of East Coast Developments, Inc. of North Reading, will be inducted into the Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association (MIWCA) Hall of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m., Salem High School, just before the All-State finals. A 1997 graduate of he was among seven athletes and five wrestling coaches inducted at the ceremony.

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“This honor is long overdue,” MIWCA Chair David Breen said.  “It’s a privilege to induct Frank Fodera, Jr. now.  He’s been a shining star of the Winchester High Wrestling Team for a long time and has set a high bar for excellence in high school wrestling.”

In 1996, Fodera, then a junior at Winchester High School, scored a stunning upset over undefeated New England Champion Chris Sweatman at the Massachusetts All-State Championships at Franklin High School, winning the first of two Mario DeFazio Memorial Trophies for Outstanding Wrestler and bolstering the legacy of Fodera’s high school wrestling accomplishments. 

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“Frank is our first wrestler from Winchester High to enter the Hall of Fame,” said Winchester High Wrestling Coach Larry “The Legend” Tremblay, who recommended Fodera for induction to the MIWCA Hall of Fame.  “With Frank, I always knew I had someone special.”

Fodera compiled a career record of 157-12, going undefeated, 50-0, his senior year pinning his way through the Middlesex, Sectional, All-State and New England tournaments. Fodera was ranked fourth in the country by USA Today his junior year and, as a senior he was named Boston Globe Wrestler of the Year and All American.

“It was a special time in my life, and I’m honored to be recognized by my peers,” Fodera said.  “This award will forever remind me of my happy memories as a high school wrestler.”

“Frank was the underdog in 1996 when he beat Sweatman,” Tremblay said.  “I told him, ‘There isn’t a horse that can’t be broken or a rider than can’t be thrown.’  His 50-0 record has never been broken.’”

Frank serves as a committee member of the Winchester Wrestling Hall of Fame and enjoys supporting and “giving back” to the wrestling community.

Two years ago, Winchester High School’s unventilated Wrestling Room was about to be closed down after the team had been suffering from infections, asthma, skin disease, fatigue, headaches and nosebleeds.  Bacteria, mold, stale air, and sweat from the unventilated room and several aged wrestling mats were literally making the wrestlers and coaches sick. 

Using his expertise as a general contractor, Fodera provided the project management and construction services to renovate the Wrestling Room, working in collaboration with several local organizations and parents who raised $40,000 for the renovation.

“I saw the urgency of giving the kids the environment they needed to be successful and healthy,” Fodera said of the project. 

Fodera and his wife Erica live in North Reading with their children Sophia, 7, and James, 5.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association first recognized high school wrestling as a sport in 1965.


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