The National Wrestling Hall of Fame is extremely proud to recognize Dr. Rick Sullivan as an Outstanding American for the Massachusetts Chapter. The wrestling community is always grateful when a former wrestler becomes a positive role model and utilizes his resources to care for and influence our world and the sport of wrestling. It is through his example of leadership that future generations are inspired to greatness.

Rick is a classic example of the scholar athlete. While attending Harvard University and during the years in which he was an experimental chemist, Rick competed throughout the country. For 18 years, Rick was an AAU New England Champion. Rick also earned numerous high finishes at the Wilkes Open, East Stroudsburg Open and MIT Open during the 1950's, 1960's and early 1970's. In 1964 Rick placed 6th in the US Olympic Trials.

Rick received a Ph.D. from Harvard in organic chemistry and an M.D. from Tufts Medical School. After numerous knee injuries, Rick concentrated his wrestling energies in coaching at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard. He has remained active in the wrestling community, serving as a co-chairman of the Friends of Harvard Wrestling. Under his guidance, Harvard has made a stronger commitment to wrestling and has developed a national presence.Rick was also one of the original founders of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and just completed a four year term as the chapter's President.

Rick and his wife Janet Kelly split their time between their homes in Cambridge and Martha's Vineyard. Rick continues to serve as an emergency room physician at several hospitals in Eastern Massachusetts.