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Greater Lowell Tech wrestling coach recognized for 30 years with team

TYNGSBORO — Tom Cassidy has amassed over 300 dual meet victories while coaching over 10 state champions and multiple national qualifiers.

But it’s the people he mentored along the way, not the accolades they captured under his leadership, that he cherishes most in his 30-year tenure at the helm of the Greater Lowell Tech wrestling program.

So it was only fitting that many of his former grapplers attended a surprise celebration on Saturday morning at Greater Lowell Tech’s quad meet with North Andover, Pentucket and BC High. Recognized for his 30th year coaching the program, Cassidy was floored with a special ceremony to honor his commitment to the program.

“He’s accomplished something that not too many people have accomplished, that’s for sure, especially at a school like this where guys don’t really go here to wrestle but he introduced them to it and keeps them around,” said Mike Riley, who graduated from the Tyngsboro school in 1997 and wrestled for Cassidy. “And the life lessons they get out of it are invaluable.”

Lowell mayor Erik Gitschier was also on hand to honor the coach along with Cassidy’s wife, Julie, and daughters, Brenna and MaryCate.

“They do sacrifice a lot with me, too,” Cassidy said of his family. “So it’s great.”

Riley has fond memories of team spaghetti dinners, his distinct taste in music and his positive nature that made wrestling for him easy.

“A lot of us have carried on that way of thinking, and it helps us now,” Riley said.

Paul Sicard, a 1998 graduate, has had the pleasure of being reintroduced to the program with his son, Paul, who is a freshman on this year’s team. Sicard had the pleasure of watching his son earn victories on the mat on Saturday while also supporting his old coach.

“To see it come back around again and have him still coaching, it’s fun to see,” Sicard said.

The program is much larger than the days when Sicard and Riley would take to the mats with some 10 teammates. Over 50 athletes are rostered on Cassidy’s team this winter.

“What he’s done with the program to grow it and develop it, it’s awesome to come back and watch,” Sicard said.

Cassidy had high praise for his whole coaching staff, including assistants Tom Kasilowski and Mike Gregory, who have helped shape the program into what it is today.

“I can’t say enough about how lucky I am to have those guys being my assistant coaches,” Cassidy said. “They sacrifice just as much as I do.”

The wrestling season is a grind. But the fruits of Cassidy’s labor are realized in the over 1,500 wrestlers who will forever call him coach.

“I see the kids that do well in life, and that’s just the best,” Cassidy said. “Having a small part in getting a kid better, it’s just awesome … watching the kids develop into great young men, there’s nothing better.”