LOWELL – Wrestling coach George Bossi started the wrestling program at Lowell High School 60 years ago and he says he has no plans to stop coaching.
A history of leading wrestlers
Bossi, at age 89, is the co-head coach of the Lowell High School wrestling team.
“I’ve been coaching here since 1964,” Bossi said, adding that his love for wrestling grows every year. “The sport is so great, you can’t do anything about it.”
Bossi said he has no plans to retire from coaching. “I don’t want to retire because I love what I do.”
In the six decades Bossi has spent at the edge of the mat analyzing wrestlers and coaching them through various stances, positions and takedowns, he has created champions.
“High school All-Americans, state championship teams. We traveled a lot with kids,” former assistant coach Brian Urquhart said of Bossi’s track record.
“They all wrestle in college, and they continue our tradition, which makes me feel good,” Bossi said.
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In honor of coach Bossi
Recently, many of those alumni came to show their love and appreciation for Bossi, including students who were on his very first team in 1964.
“When I needed someone to talk to when I was growing up, when I was in trouble, which I did a lot growing up, George was always there,” said former wrestler Gouch Gauthier.
“They call him the Godfather of wrestling in Massachusetts, and he has created a very strong culture here,” said Lowell Wrestling Co-Head Coach Nick Logan.
Many of Bossi’s former wrestlers said Bossi taught them that in life, just like wrestling, when you get knocked down, you get back up.
“He made you your own stuff. He would go into practice later and tell you exactly what you did in front of everyone,” said former wrestler Scott McQuaide.
And those coached by Bossi said tough love made them work harder.
“He’s not afraid to tell you how it is, and especially in 2024, not many people are like that,” Logan said.
“He’s not just a coach. He’s a friend, a father. He’s a remarkable man,” Gauthier said.
Dedication, heart and leadership make George Bossie WBZ MVP of the Week.
