There isn’t too much that Jerry Perkins hasn’t seen or done during his wrestling coaching career. All those sacrifices will be recognized when Perkins gets inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame later this spring.

Perkins will be the first wrestling coach in the MSHOF.

In a career that spanned five decades, Perkins was never at a loss for words, but even he was initially floored when he received word that he will be joining the hall.

“I was speechless,” said Perkins, who lives at a lakeside retirement home in Orrington. “I couldn’t say anything for a few seconds … humbled, truly … and then very, very appreciative of Jack Zollo, Dick Austin, and the hall-of-fame committee for their support of my nomination and recognition of the sport of interscholastic wrestling in the state of Maine.”

Perkins thought that wrestling had too low a profile to warrant this honor. He had pretty much accepted the fact that there were too many other more qualified individuals in higher-profile Maine sports.

He will be inducted during a banquet at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland on Sunday, June 1. He will join 242 Maine sports figures who have been inducted over the last 32 years.

Although the names of the places have changed – from Stephens to Rumford high school between 1967-88 and then seven years at Mountain Valley – there was no mistaking who was in charge of the programs.

Perkins has numerous memories of teams and events throughout the years that bring smiles, and could write a book on those reflections.

But, he will be the first one to point out that it’s the hundreds of wrestlers who deserve a lot of the credit.

“I am most proud of the youngsters I coached,” Perkins said. “(Several) have continued working with other youngsters with a passion for wrestling. That’s the absolute truth. I was passionate in my coaching, not obsessed as some would say, and I would like to think some of that passion rubbed off. I’m really most proud of those men.”

Perkins, a Brewer native, had just graduated from the University of Maine and was recommended by Maine football coach Walter Abbott to coach football at Stephens. The wrestling job became his by default. Despite having limited experience, Perkins eagerly took over the reins and taught himself.

Perkins was intrigued by the hand-to-hand combat, hard work and dedication that was necessary to be successful. Perkins’ own persona and work ethic blended right in. Those trademarks included enduring his intimidating icy stare to taking directions from a booming voice that created fear.

He made sure his wrestlers knew the fundamentals, but more importantly, he placed a strong emphasis on physical conditioning. That mat toughness allowed his athletes to win numerous matches in the third period by being in better condition.

“Jerry Perkins is a legend,” former coach Dennis Bishop said. “Jerry did a lot for the sport, and those Rumford teams always had some tough wrestlers, who were well prepared. Whenever opposing teams stepped on the mat, they had to be ready for a battle.”

Perkins compiled an overall dual-meet record of 472-73-7, including 100-15 at Mountain Valley.

Rumford won state titles from 1972-74, 1978 and 1981. His teams finished first or second in the state 11 of 14 years between 1967-81. The success even drew national attention when Wrestling USA Magazine labeled Rumford the “Wrestling Capital of Maine.”

Perkins also believed in surrounding himself with good people who were committed to the cause. Several quality assistant coaches fit this bill. He adds that he would have accomplished little without his wife Joyce’s support.

“She was always there through the good and bad,” Perkins said. “She really raised our family mostly by herself, as I was out working with other youngsters and has been with me for 42 years, and I wasn’t easy to be with. Highs and lows, good times, tough times, she’s been there when I needed her most. She sat through hours and hours of tourneys. I still can’t believe it. Any success I had came from Joyce’s support.”