After 38 Years, Larry Tremblay Lets Retirement Sink In

In some ways, Larry Tremblay didn't go out the way he planned when he started at Winchester High School back in 1980. No, the last thing the Hall of Fame wrestling coach thought was that an announcement on something called Twitter would signal the end. Times change, but one thing never did, success in Winchester.

"I don't know how to do Twitter, I don't even know how to do Facebook," said Tremblay. "I just gave it to my PR guy. I wrote the statement and had it scanned at UPS and sent to him. I don't know how to do any of that stuff."

Tremblay announced May 21 via the school's athletic Twitter account he was calling it quits after 38 years. His numbers are staggering. After a 26-0 season that included the MIAA Division 2 Metro title, Tremblay retires as the winningest wrestling coach in state history at 729-98-5. It's a record that includes seven state titles and 26 Middlesex titles. For all that, he's been elected to the Winchester Sports Foundation Hall of Fame, the Massachusetts Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the New England Council Hall of Fame and the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

"I would like to thank the Winchester community for allowing me the privilege of coaching their sons. It's been an amazing ride and I have so many people to thank," Tremblay said in his announcement.

From athletic trainer Donna Gildersleeve to the eight principals and seven athletic directors he's worked with and for, Tremblay named as many as the internet would hold. Terry Marotta, current assistants Eric Johnson and Ryan O'Boyle, Chris Gregory, Rick Williams, Pat Christopher, Lou McDonald, Chris Nissen, and most important, his wife Dawn.

"Hopefully I've made a difference in some of the young men's lives," said Tremblay, 62.

But before you think you've seen the last of the coach they call "Larry Legend," understand this. Since his announcement, Tremblay has heard from a number of schools looking for a new wrestling coach. He'll think about the offers, talk to Dawn, and make up his mind. It could be a freshman coach, as an assistant, or back to a head coaching position. Or nothing at all.

When your name is Larry Tremblay you have options.