One of the top grapplers in Rumford history will be inducted into the hall of fame.
By Bob McPhee
Staff Writer

PERU – A lot of things have transpired in the last 25 years since Larry Gill earned his reputation as a standout wrestler at Rumford High School.

Gill proved that the ability to succeed always exists, regardless of the size of an individual. Gill further proved that he was capable of utilizing his physical and mental skills to reach the next level.

The efforts by the Peru native will be enhanced even more when he is inducted Saturday into the Maine Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame at the Hyde School in Bath.

Gill has plenty of experience of a different kind, having worked for 18 years in the Maintenance Department at Mead-Westvaco. That certainly wasn’t the case when he initially stepped on the mat. Gill had never wrestled prior to high school, but immediately took to the sport.

In the eighth grade, Gill listened intensely to fellow Peruvian Dave Magoon convey about winning a Class A state championship at 98 pounds. The activity intrigued Gill. Dedication and a tireless work ethic enabled Gill to master the craft.

His success earned him attention from several colleges, and a scholarship was offered by Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. This situation had presented a grand opportunity, but Gill ultimately backed away from it all and still wonders what could have been.

“My only regret is not going on in wrestling,” Gill said. “It would have been another challenge to see what I could have done, but at that time I really didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. There was also someone near home that I thought would last forever. So, I told the coach to give the scholarship to someone else who knew what they really wanted. “

He was one of the first freshmen to earn a starting position at Rumford in 1973. He won the first of four Class A regional crowns and finished fourth at 112 on the 1974 state championship team.

During a stellar four-year career, Gill set numerous records and when he graduated, held school records for takedowns, pins, two and three-point near falls and reversals.

Gill had a career record of 96-13-1, losing four matches the final three years.

Gill had dedicated himself to winning a state title, but adversity hit the week of the state meet during his junior year. A snow blower cut off half of one finger and he was advised against any competition. Gill ignored the stitches and pain, eventually beat John Cogley of Mexico to win the state championship in 1976.

Gill bumped up to 119 as a senior, but each opponent encountered the same fate. He was voted the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the initial Redskin tournament in Sanford. Gill repeated as a state champion in 1977, and was also a New England finalist.

Rumford finished fourth in New England in ’77. In addition to Gill, Steve Nokes placed third and Jeff Irish was fourth. No other Maine team has placed in the top five since.

“I remember Larry as a quiet leader,” Nokes said. “He just knew how to get the job done. No whining or complaining in practice, he knew what it took to get to the top and was willing to work hard to get there. He wasn’t very vocal but if you didn’t learn from Larry you didn’t have your eyes open.”

Gill will be the fourth member of the 1974 Rumford state championship team in the HOF, joining coach Jerry Perkins, Steve Nokes and this reporter.

Gill and HOF Kevin Gilmore of Morse are the top two Maine wrestlers with international experience. In 1975, they were both members of the AAU team that competed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Gill competed in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, compiling a 4-4 record.

Gill also wrestled against teams from Poland, Austria and the Dutch that toured the state.

Gill became involved with the sport again this past winter by coaching his six-year old Brandon at the Greater Rumford Community Center. The second-generation wrestler won the New England Pee Wee championship at 50 pounds.

“I’ve given him some advice,” Gill said. “But, it’s totally up to him if he continues with the sport. Sure, I’d like to see him continue, but he’s still young and could find another interest. That’s why I’m leaving it up to him to decide.”

Gill applauds the youth wrestling events because it allows youngsters an opportunity to try the sport.

“There is one disturbing factor that bothers me,” Gill said. “Some parents are pushing their kids too hard. The adults stand near the mat ranting and raving and put extra pressure on the kids to win. They are just kids so let them enjoy the sport for now. If they’re still interested in wrestling at 11 or 12 years old, then things can become serious.”

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