Published in the January 18, 2017 edition
LYNNFIELD-NORTH READING co-op wrestling head coach Craig Stone (at right) will be inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Gillette Stadium April 29. Kneeling next to Stone are assistant coaches Matt Goodwin (left) and Nick Secatore. (Courtesy Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield-North Reading co-operative wrestling head coach Craig Stone has earned a reputation for being one of the sport’s best coaches in the state for over 40 years.
Stone’s hard work and dedication are going to be recognized on Saturday, April 29, when he will be inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Gillette Stadium. He is joining Natick wrestling coach Robert Anniballi, Canton wrestling coach Thomas Bartonsek and Norton wrestling coach Patrick Coleman as lifetime service inductees.
“I am very humbled by the recognition,” said Stone. “Over the 42 years that I have been coaching, I have been fortunate to have been associated with many talented athletes, caring parents, supportive administrators and enthusiastic communities. Teaching and coaching in Lynnfield, and later North Reading where I live and my children attended school, has been a dream come true. There have been many former inductees that have surpassed my accomplishments, and I feel honored to be in their company.”
Stone started coaching the wrestling team when the Pioneers were a club team during the 1974-1975 season. The wrestling team became a varsity team the following year. Stone has compiled a 527-312-7 record since 1976.
Over the course of Stone’s career coaching wrestling, the grapplers have won Cape Ann League championships in 1992, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The Black and Gold were North sectional champions in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The grapplers were North sectional finalists in 1987 and 1992, and state finalists in 2014.
The wrestling team has had eight state champions, 84 state place finishers, seven All-State place finishers and three New England place finishers.
Stone was named CAL coach of the year in 1986, 1987, 1992, 1996, 1997, 2008 and 2014. The Boston Globe named Stone coach of the year in 1986 and 2014. He was inducted into the Massachusetts Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1998, and the National Wrestling Coaches Association Massachusetts named him coach of the year in 2013.
Additionally, Stone was the recipient of the North Shore Student Athlete Lifetime Commitment award in 2013 and was named an Honorary Rotarian by Lynnfield Rotary in 2015.
Stone attributed his success on the mat to his coaching style.
“Communication with athletes, parents, teachers and administrators is important,” said Stone. “Let all of them understand their roles, what your philosophy is, and what support and effort you need from them for all to be successful. It’s important to show concern for your players both as athletes and as young adults.”
Stone also said it’s critical for coaches to help student-athletes “develop skills” and learn “life’s lessons.” He noted the Black and Gold’s mantra is “TEAM,” which stands for “together each achieves more.”
“You have to be consistent in the treatment of players and enforcing the rules,” said Stone.
Stone has honed a system over his 42 years coaching wrestling. He believes it’s critical to “balance the highs and lows,” while maintaining “an objective perspective.” He also said it’s important to develop “individual and team goals,” and be “organized in the areas of practices, games, scouting, public relations, fundraising and the media.”
Additionally, Stone stressed it’s important to “receive input from all involved.”
Townspeople will be able to purchase tickets to the National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame by visiting https://nwhof.org/massachusetts/.
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘It’s about the journey, not the destination,’” said Stone. “I enjoy watching the athletes work toward their individual and team goals, and helping them appreciate the life lessons that wrestling teaches.”
