One of the earliest and most accomplished wrestlers of the Legendary Doug Parker era is Oneida, New York native, Rick Moyer '62. Rick Moyer has left an indelible impact on the wrestling community as a wrestler, coach, administrator, and above all, mentor.
Coach Moyer joins the PrideCast to discuss his transformation under Doug Parker, the rich tradition of Springfield Wrestling, the lessons he's learned as a coach and educator, and the memories of being teammates and roommates with Japan Olympic Team Member and Benihana founder, Hiraoki Aoki.
A standout for the Pride, Moyer was undefeated in varsity dual meets (36-0) in his three years of competition from 1959-62, named the Outstanding Wrestler in the New England Championships, and a key contributor to four New England Team Championships. A co-captain 1961-62, Moyer was held in high regard among his peers as the President of the Varsity "S" Club.
Moyer served as a graduate assistant with Doug Parker and the Pride from 1962-63 while earning his Master's. After a one year stint with his alma mater, Moyer ventured to Amityville, Long Island, where he served as the Head Wrestling Coach at Amityville from 1963-1967. Following a successful run at Amityville, Moyer moved back to New England and assumed the role as Head Coach at Wayland in Massachusetts. After coaching at Wayland for over 30 years and serving as the Athletic Director for 10 years, Rick retired in 1997 with 478 dual meet wins. He also served as the President of the National Federation of High School Coaches and Officials. For his decades of competing, mentoring, and coaching he was inducted into 6 different halls of fame including the Oneida Athletic, Wayland Athletic, Springfield College Pride Athletic HOF in 1998 and the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002.
You can connect with Coach Moyer via email at otisiggy@verizon.net
