Rick Hare began his sports career at Martinsburg High School in Martinsburg, West Virginia. There, he lettered in football, wrestling and baseball. He attended Shepherd University (formerly Shepherd College). While at Shepherd Rick played varsity Baseball for four years. Upon graduating he began coaching three sports at Williamsport High School. Rick later served as the Head Baseball coach at Hagerstown

Junior College. However, Rick’'s greatest contribution to the sport of wrestling has to be the thirty-five years that he has served as one of the finest officials who ever wore the black and white stripes.

Rick is a charter member of the Washington County Wrestling Officials Association. He has served almost every office in that organization. In addition, Rick has been a member of the Winchester (Virginia) Wrestling Officials Association and the Carlisle (Pennsylvania) Wrestling Officials Association. Rick spent thirty-three years as an active wrestling official. He has worked dual meets, tournament and numerous regional and state events during that time. He has officiated over fifty state championships in Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia.

During one season Rick officiated the State championship tournament in all three states in our immediate area. For the last two years he has served as the Head Official at the Maryland State Wrestling Championships.

Rick has received numerous awards for his exemplary service to our sport. In 1991 he was named the Outstanding Wrestling Official in West Virginia. He received the same award from the Maryland State Wrestling Association in 1998. In 2005 he was named National Wrestling Official of the Year by USA wrestling magazine. That same year he was named Educator of the Year by the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame. In 2006 Rick was inducted into the Martinsburg High School Wrestling Wall of Fame.

Rick has been married to Patricia for thirty-six years. Patty could often been found at mat side while Rick officiated all around the Tri- State area. Patricia taught in the Washington County Public School system for thirty-one years. They reside outside of Williamsport Maryland where they raised their two children; Patrick and Trisha.