Rick Tucci

Richard “Rick” Tucci was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2018.

A native of Toms River, N.J., Tucci wrestled four years at West Virginia University under Coach Steve Harrick, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education and biology in 1966 and a master’s degree in physical education in 1967. He also served as a graduate assistant coach during his final year.

Tucci began officiating wrestling while still a student at WVU, with his first assignment at Morgantown High School in 1966. After moving to Florida, he taught and coached for nearly four decades, including a decade at Miami Dade Community College, while continuing to advance as a referee. He became a certified international official in 1973, a milestone that launched a career spanning the highest levels of the sport.

Over the next five decades, Tucci represented the United States at eight Olympic Games, nearly 100 World Championships, and tournaments in dozens of countries. He served as head official at U.S. Olympic and World Team Trials beginning in 1980 and was elected president of the U.S. Wrestling Officials Association in 1988. Internationally, he served on the United World Wrestling Officiating Council, was appointed a permanent FILA Mat Chairman, and was later elected vice president of UWW Americas, giving referees a greater voice in global governance.

His contributions to wrestling have been recognized through numerous honors. He received the Golden Whistle Award at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, was named USA Wrestling Man of the Year in 1997, and was presented the Outstanding Official Award at the 1977 World Championships. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2001, the National High School Hall of Fame in 2011, the Florida Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2000, the National Junior College Hall of Fame in 1984, and the International World Wrestling Olympic Hall of Fame in 2016. He also received the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Officials and the Meritorious Official Award.