Published in the March 1, 2018 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

DANVERS — North Reading resident Tom Salemme was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association (MHSIWCA) Hall of Fame at the All-State Tournament Feb. 24.

Black and Gold head coach Craig Stone said Salemme is the father of former wrestler Adam Salemme. Stone said Salemme was inducted into the Hall of Fame “for his lifetime service.”

“The MHSIWCA inducts coaches, outstanding wrestlers and supporters of wrestling every two years,” said Stone.  

NORTH READING RESIDENT Tom Salemme (left) was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association (MHSIWCA) Hall of Fame Feb. 24. Presenting Salemme with the award is MHSIWCA President Manny Costa. (Courtesy Photo)

Stone said, “Salemme has been an active member of the Lynnfield-North Reading wrestling community for the past 12 years.”

“During those first four years, he watched his son, Adam, a varsity award winner, attain success while Tom became an active participant in fundraising and team building activities,” said Stone. “Tom not only supported his son, but involved himself in the progress and success of all the wrestlers on the team. After Adam graduated in 2010, Tom continued to be present at practices, meets and tournaments, supporting the team in addition to sharpening his photography skills. The pictures that he takes have become an intricate part of the team’s yearly awards banquet, Powerpoint presentations and personal gifts to the wrestlers.” Stone said Salemme is “a constant goodwill ambassador to the sport.”

“He has also befriended opposing coaches and wrestlers alike, constantly congratulating them on their successes as well,” said Stone. “A retired firefighter and EMT, Tom would even make his background known to home and host trainers should they become over burdened and in need of additional help at meets or tournaments.”

Stone said Salemme’s “support of LNR and the sport of wrestling has been invaluable.”

“He is truly deserving of induction into the Massachusetts Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame for his lifetime service,” said Stone.