Bob Ridall coached the varsity wrestling team of Watertown High School for 25 years, from 1959 to 1984. His teams compiled an enviable dual meet record of 236-82-5. Like most good coaches, when asked about his career, Bob Ridall talks about the kids he coached, not about his own efforts on behalf of his sport nor about any honors or recognition bestowed upon him by his peers. As to those kids, Bob coached a slew of fine wrestlers. His teams produced sixteen Sectional champions, eleven of whom won or placed at State Tournaments. Individual champions in league and invitational tournaments were frequent and numerous. Watertown's first State Tournament placer was Dick Schneider at 165-pounds in 1966. By the 1970s, Bob's teams were producing champions. Keith Rose won at 250-pounds in 1970. Tom Capone became a two-time State Champion at 145-pounds in 1972 and in 1973. Tom's younger brother, Pete, matched this with championships at 145-pounds in 1979 and at 155-pounds in 1980. Pete was also named Outstanding Wrestler of the State Tournament in 1979. Other Watertown wrestlers who placed in the States during Bob's tenure include Don Dixon in 1968, Greg Ely and Kevin Marra in 1975, and Dave Recor in 1982. Predating the State Tournament, begun in 1963, Bob coached such outstanding wrestlers as Eugene Mitch, Don Osborn, Bart Biondolillo and Tim Flavin. After high school, many of Bob's wrestlers distinguished themselves in collegiate competition, including Don Dixon who was NCAA Division II Champion in 1972 and Pete Capone who was NCAA runner-up in Division I in 1985. Today Pete coaches at Johnson City High School, producing individual State champions, championship teams, and (so far) one NCAA Division I Champion. As they say, a coach never knows where his influence ends. As for peer recognition, Bob Ridall has twice been honored by the NYS Coaches Association, in 1968 and 1976, for his outstanding contributions to New York high school wrestling. In 1970, the YMCA of Watertown presented its Outstanding Service Award to him. In 1980, he was honored as Wrestling Coach of the Year by the Central New York Cities League. And in 1979, Section III selected Bob as the recipient of its Service Award. If pressed about his personal accomplishments, after naming the kids he coached and noting numerous league championships in the Northern League and the Central New York Cities League, Bob might mention his many years as a member of the Section III Wrestling Committee and of the National Wrestling Coaches Association. He might also let you in on his high school football, basketball (First team All Onondaga County in 1955), and baseball accomplishments; or his Red Letter Award from Cortland State. He might even tell you that he was elected Master of Watertown's Masonic Lodge #49 in 1973 and 1974. He is likely to bring up his creation of the Watertown Wrestling Boosters Club in 1973, and he is certain to tell you about his two daughters, Kimberly Lynn and Terri Anne, and his four grandchildren. Then Bob Ridall will probably steer the conversation back to those kids he coached. The New York State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to induct Bob Ridall with the Lifetime Service Award.