Westminster resident Ray Finch has been inducted into the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association's Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Finch, a two-time state champion wrestler at Westminster High School in the mid-1970s, was the 62nd wrestler inducted since the hall of fame's creation in 1975.

"First of all, I don't feel worthy," said Finch after his official induction March 7 at Cole Field House, in College Park.

"It's quite a distinction. I'm thankful that the Lord gave me some talent and for my older brothers who often coached me in our living room."

As a sophomore, Finch won county and regional championships before winning the 138-pound state title.

Finch's win helped Westminster earn its first state team title by two points over Laurel High School. In 1976, Finch duplicated his county and regional titles before finishing as the runner-up in the 145-pound weight class.

Finch was the state's dominant wrestler during the 1977 season. He capped his high-school career with an undefeated campaign that included his third consecutive county and region championships.

Finch became a two-time state titlist when he won the 155-pound championship by a 17-0 score in the final match.

Finch, who also led the Westminster football team to the 1976 state championship game, finished his high school wrestling career with an 85-10 record.

The Baltimore Sun named Finch its Athlete of the Year in 1977. He also was chosen for Sports Illustrated's "Faces in the Crowd" in May 1977.

"I won in my sophomore year, but then lost as a junior, which was a little disturbing," said Finch, whose daughter, Shannen, and sons, Alex and Ryan, were excellent athletes at Westminster High.

"As a senior, you don't want to go out with a loss in your last match," he said. "I was fortunate enough to be at my best at that time."

---

user comments (0)