Reading High Wrestling Room Dedicated

For longtime supporters of Reading Memorial High wrestling, the name Tom Darrin is one that requires no introduction.

With 31 years and 320 wins under his belt as Rockets head coach, the Massachusetts Wrestling Hall of Famer’s list of accomplishments speak for themselves.

On Saturday, the Hawkes Field House wrestling room was officially rechristened the Thomas C. Darrin Wrestling Center in honor of the man who has meant so much to so many at Reading High throughout the years.

“Forever, when people meet in that wrestling room,” said Athletic Director Phil Vaccaro in his dedication speech. “They’re going to talk about Tom Darrin being a man of character, integrity and commitment. All of the things we are trying to teach our kids everyday.”

Now the head coach of , where he was named last year’s National Wrestling Coaches Association Coach of the Year for New Hampshire, Darrin continues to dedicate himself to molding the lives of young people.

As an educator, Darrin was the head of the Social Studies Department at RMHS. He was known as a valuable resource for other teachers, as he was sought out by rookies and veterans alike for advice on everything from best teaching practices to personal advice. The impact he made upon the players he coached is perhaps best reflected in the quality of the men they became.

Another name that requires no introduction to Rockets boosters is that of Keith Marfione (2001), still the all-time winningest wrestler in Rockets' history with 131 wins, and the all-time leader with 74 career falls. The four-year starter and three-time state placewinner, who went on to West Point and active military service following graduation, was on hand to speak on behalf of a man he considers a mentor.

“I think it’s fitting today, that you’re not dedicating a statue or a plaque,” Marfione told the sizable crowd. “Those would be fine tributes, no doubt, but they serve no real purpose. Instead they chose to dedicate a room to Coach Darrin. A room that represents work. An unceremonious box of toil and struggle and sweat ... a place of grit and sacrifice, where dedication is tested and character forged. Coach Darrin represents these same qualities.”

Marfione went on to speak of his time after graduating from Reading High. 

“Since my graduation, I’ve spent many months deployed in combat. These were times that tested me physically, emotionally and ethically,” he said. “It’s during times of adversity like these that you hope to be able to reach down and find courage. But the truth is, it might not be there. Unless it is built on a strong foundation of character. [Coach Darrin], this foundation is what you helped me build.” 

Darrin, who was first hired as an assistant by legendary teacher, coach and athletic director Walter Hawkes and given his first head coaching position by legendary football coach John Hollingsworth, built a solid winning tradition within the RMHS wrestling program during his tenure. A tradition which was passed on to current head coach Craig Murphy—a former player and coach under Darrin. Murphy spoke of Darrin’s true legacy.

“He created a winning tradition here in Reading, but his mission was never purely about winning,” said Murphy. “It was about cultivating a secure, healthy, caring atmosphere where young student athletes could grow and mature. Tom embodied and exemplified all that it is to be a successful coach and mentor.”

Following the dedication ceremony, in which a plaque was presented to Darrin and the sign unveiled that will hang over the entrance to the wrestling room, there was a quad meet between Darrin’s Windham Jaguars, the Rockets, Bedford, N.H. and Nashua North High School.