Michael Perruccio's Legacy: A Journey of Purpose and Impact
Michael Perruccio was a standout wrestler from Pelham, NH, whose passion for the sport and dedication to mentoring others left a lasting impact on those around him. A three-time New Hampshire state champion, three-time New England qualifier, and three-year captain at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Michael embodied the values of hard work, leadership, and community.
Following his tragic passing in March 2023 while training in Thailand, the Michael Perruccio Development Fund was established to honor his legacy. Through the support of the wrestling community and partnership with the NHWOA, the fund provides scholarships and resources to help young wrestlers pursue their goals—continuing the spirit and passion Michael brought to the mats every day.
Michael Perruccio’s Wrestling Roots
From an early age, Michael was drawn to the mats, where wrestling taught him discipline, resilience, and the importance of community. The sport shaped him into a young man who understood the value of hard work and the strength found in unity. His parents knew that by supporting young wrestlers, they could continue to nurture the qualities that defined their son’s character.
Growing up in Pelham, NH, he started wrestling at a young age. Michael attended Pelham High School where he was a member and captain of the wrestling team, becoming a three-time state champion and three-time New England qualifier. Following high school, Michael attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) where he continued his wrestling career as a three-year captain and three-time all-regional placer. Upon graduation, Michael continued his involvement with the WPI wrestling program as a regular-season assistant coach followed by the head coach of the WPI wrestling club team.
Michael served as a true inspiration and mentor to those around him. Throughout his life, he motivated countless people, both on and off the mats, by modeling discipline, hard work, integrity, and dedication.
A Fund with a Vision
Michael’s passing left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family and friends, and also ignited a profound mission in those who loved him. Determined to honor his memory, Michael’s parents turned their grief into action. They channeled their sorrow into creating a development fund, dedicated to empowering young athletes through wrestling—a sport Michael had cherished throughout his life.
The Michael Perruccio Development Fund was established with community support and a clear and heartfelt mission: to provide support to young wrestlers, helping them navigate the path to their future. Joining forces with the NHWOA, over 10k has been dispersed to scholarship and equipment efforts. The fund embodies Michael’s spirit of exploration and determination, offering guidance and resources to those most in need.
A Call to Action
Michael’s parents, family, and friends who knew him, invite you to join them in their mission. By contributing to the Michael Peruccio Development Fund, you join a movement that empowers young athletes to realize their potential. Together, we can ensure that Michael’s spirit of adventure, resilience, and determination continues to inspire future generations.
In the heart of Thailand, living his dream, Michael’s legacy was born. Through this fund, his journey continues—one that uplifts, supports, and guides young wrestlers toward their dreams. His story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the impact we all have when we come together with purpose and compassion.
See you on the mats!!
View Development Fund Recipients
2026 Recipients
Benjamin Byrne | Nashua South
Benjamin has embraced the lessons wrestling teaches—perseverance, discipline, and leadership—while competing at a school with a proud Nashua wrestling tradition. As the program navigated the challenges following the city’s school split, Benjamin remained a steady presence and a dedicated representative of Nashua wrestling both during the season and throughout the year.
A leader on and off the mat, Benjamin is a Division I State Champion and All-State wrestler who also excels academically as a member of the National Honor Society and the Business Honor Society.
Through the Michael Perruccio Development Fund, the New Hampshire Wrestling Officials Association is proud to support Benjamin as he continues his academic journey at New England College, where we know he will continue to make an impact both in the classroom and beyond.
Ian Campbell | Goffstown
Ian Campbell exemplifies the qualities honored by the Michael Perruccio Development Fund—character, perseverance, and commitment to others. A senior captain for the Goffstown Grizzlies, Ian has been a dedicated member of the program for the past four years, demonstrating resilience as he worked through injuries, self-doubt, and the many challenges that come with the sport of wrestling.
Beyond the mat, Ian is ranked 13th in his class and actively mentors youth through church and school tutoring programs, while also helping teach younger athletes the fundamentals of wrestling.
Ian will continue both his academic and athletic journey at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he plans to wrestle while studying biomedical engineering.
Nolan Linstad | Hopkington
Nolan Linstad was on the unique and often lonely path of being an independent. As the lone wrestler at his school, this young man has battled hard all season, both on and off the mat.
He showed a no-quit attitude and the ability to seamlessly blend into a welcoming John Stark program that treated him as one of their own. He was the class president, a varsity soccer player, and one of just nine athletes to achieve 100 points.
With plans to attend college and eventually pursue law school, his ability to grind will serve him well. The NHWOA is proud to have him as our Division 3 Perrucio Scholarship Reciepient.
Ava Hallee | Goffstown
The Silent Service Award was established to recognize the often unseen but essential contributions of wrestling team managers. These individuals dedicate countless hours supporting their teams—traveling on early buses, spending long days in the gym, and helping ensure everything runs smoothly—often without the recognition athletes receive on the mat.
This year’s recipient, Ava Hallee of Goffstown, exemplifies the commitment and dedication this award represents. Serving as team manager, Ava approached her role with the same intensity and care as the wrestlers themselves. Her attention to detail helped keep the program running smoothly through tracking statistics, managing gear, supporting athletes, and overseeing team social media.
Ava will attend the University of New England, where she plans to major in psychology while continuing her cheer career.
2025 Recipients
Anthony Guilatieri | Concord |Division 1
Haiily Demers | Plymouth | Divison 3
Noah Daily | Souhegan |Division 2
Kira Linstad | John Stark | Silent Service Award
2024 Recipients
Adler Moura | Bow
Adler was a 4 year wrestler, multiple-time state champion, and Meet of Champion winner and those are the least important accomplishments. A multi-year captain on his wrestling team, Adler was instrumental in growing the numbers, setting the example and creating the culture of Bow wrestling A tremendous young man, active in his community, and always willing to be in service; Adler is headed to NY for higher education with a goal of owning his own electrical company.
Spencer Sierra | Timberlane Regional
A 3 sport athlete including wrestling and captain on all three teams, Spencer's greatest accomplishments are yet to come. As a member of Project Hope and multiple honor societies, Mr. Sierra has been a consummate leader in his high school career and intends to keep it going as he heads off to Virginia to study economics & data science.
2023 Recipients
Limenwa Kennedy | Bedford
Ms. Kennedy has been busy post high school graduation studying abroad and settling in at college in Massachussetts. Wrestling through high school, Limenwa competed and became a state champion in the girl's division and was a true pioneer in growing the sport with her female counterparts. She was also part of the inaugural class of the NHWOA Jr. Apprentice Referee program which mentos high school wrestlers in the skill of officiating.
Charlie Turner | Portsmouth
Chris Robbins | ConVal
2022 Recipients
Anthony Rousseau | Timberlane
Connor Beauman | Concord
2021 Recipients
Zach Rioux | BG
Josh Sharron| Newport
Ryan Leuteritz
2020 Recipient
Joseph Gimarenzi
2019 Recipient
Tyler O'Mara
2018 Recipient
Jack Olson
2017 Recipient
Cameron Bourque
2016 Recipient
Jacob Ricca
Jake Barr
2015 Recipient
Nick Widman
2014 Recipient
Cameron Bourque