He was undefeated in dual meets during his four years at Toms River South High School. He coached Miami Dade Junior College's matmen to 10 stellar seasons and an amazing record of 106 victories against only four losses. Then Rick Tucci really plunged into the sport.

As an official his career soared, leading him to represent the United States in four Olympic Games, 60 World Championships and hundreds of tournaments around the country and the world.

His dedication and untiring efforts have allowed this country to have an international voice in the development of rules and their interpretation. His is the only American voice on the permanent, eight-man FILA Officiating Council and he serves as a permanent FILA Mat Chairman, an honored appointment he received in 1990.

Tucci's easy rapport with mat and pairings officials at home has also been evident. He has been president of the U.S. Wrestling Officials' Association since 1988; his leadership has been a major element enabling our country's officials to be more knowledgeable and efficient in the execution of national and international rules which have great impact on America's wrestlers.

In his years of advocacy for good sportsmanship, integrity and dignity among competitors and officials, Rick has been recognized as the Outstanding Referee at the World Championships, awarded the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award for Officials, presented the Gold Whistle Award for Outstanding Official in the Olympic Games, named Official of the Year by both the AAU and USA Wrestling, and Man of the Year by our national governing body.

Tucci has served as the head official at every U.S. Olympic Trials since 1988. A member of the USAWrestling' Board of Governors Executive Board, he has worked on countless freestyle and Greco-Roman committees.

For his impressive career as a wrestler and coach, and as a mat official renowned around the world, Rick Tucci is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.