The Upstate New York Chapter of the NWHoF is proud to recognize Larry “Sparky” Rector for all that he has given to the sport of wrestling. Rector, who is 94 years young, has had a distinguished career in Section III and New York state.

Sparky started his career in the early 1950’s and like many physical education teachers at the time, he coached 3 sports a year. As Sparky recalls the story, “wrestling was not one of the big sports at the time, but Coach Dutch Grant (a standout wrestler at Springfield College) encouraged him and other coaches in the area to start a wrestling team to fill in the gap between the basketball and baseball season.” Thus, starting Sparky’s love of the sport. Coach Rector has serviced the sport of wrestling as an outstanding coach, official and administrator.

In 2001, Sparky was awarded the Chapter’s Lifetime Service Award and has never missed an induction ceremony since. Sparky is a first-class professional in all aspects of his life and is still revered in Mexico, NY. According to Rector he has been blessed in his life, he still plays golf almost everyday and is grateful for each new day.