Ben’s Biography

I grew up in Nashua, NH wrestling at the Boys Club & Nashua High before enlisting into the United States Marine Corp. Upon discharge, I returned to NH to raise a daughter and find my way into the world of IT. After nearly 12 years away from NH wrestling, I found my way back on the mat as a coach for the Manchester YMCA under head coach Rick Ross. I eventually took over the program until it was phased out at which point me and the assistant coaches from the Y moved the program to the Manchester Police Athletic League. Following my mentor Rick Ross who had been an official for nearly 20 years, I transitioned to officiating in 2019.

After my first year with the NHWOA, I joined the board as a Member At Large (MAL) where I was responsible for fundraising where our scholarship fund grew from $1000 for two NH wrestlers steadily to our latest efforts of $2000 for 3 wrestlers. After two years as the MAL, I ran and was elected Vice President.

As VP I am responsible for training our new (adult) apprentice officials, including our Jr. Apprentice Referee (JAR) program which is geared towards training high school wrestlers the skill of officiating. Founded in 2021, the program has increased from 3 to 11 participants and continues to gain momentum. Adult apprentice officials train alongside our JAR members to increase the synergy of transitioning from JAR to full fledged patched official.

What is your Message to the Community

As a former wrestler, coach, and current official, I see firsthand how effective the sport of wrestling is to teach our youth & high school athletes the skills necessary to face life as an adult. There is no better sport to simulate the game of life as there will be ups & downs, wins & losses, struggle & triumph all while having to maintain weight, academics, and family life.

My mission is to strengthen the NHWOA by bulking up our association with well trained, community service oriented individuals who realize the impact we have on those we encounter through the great sport of wrestling. We, as a community have an obligation to pay forward the service that was paid to us as a youth. None of us got here by ourselves.  I am committed to those who desire to move forward and be there best selves, having an arena to do so through the great sport of wrestling.