Otis Tholander was a highly successful coach, an exceptional teacher, and an outstanding ambassador for the sport of wrestling in Massachusetts. For this long-time teacher and coach in the Billerica school system, education extended well beyond the classroom. Otis was a gifted educator who taught valuable life lessons at every opportunity, most notably on the wrestling mats. His warm-hearted guidance and leadership enriched generations of Billerica wrestlers and their families. Otis made a profound impact on the lives of countless young men as a mentor, counselor and father figure. The love and allegiance of his former student-athletes are testimony to Otis' positive influence on their lives. Otis embodies the qualities that we endeavor to promote through wrestling - preparation, passion, and integrity. Otis was a true student of the sport of wrestling, constantly learning new techniques and tactics that he would bring back to the practice room and teach to his wrestlers.

Although he never wrestled himself, Otis fell in love with our noble sport and remains one of its biggest fans. Otis is a popular figure at meets and tournaments around the state and the nation. Whether at a local youth tournament, a high school meet, or the NCAA Wrestling Championships, Otis supports all levels of wrestling.

Otis was a strong presence in Billerica Wrestling for twenty-five years, assisting his close friend and fellow Hall-of-Fame inductee Vinny Viglione. During that time, Billerica was one of the dominant teams in the state, routinely winning league and state championships. In recognition of his contributions, Otis was named Massachusetts Coach-of-the-Year in 1989 and inducted into the Billerica High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. His induction into the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to Otis, who gave so much of his time and energy to the sport he loves.

Now retired from teaching and coaching, Otis enjoys retirement on Cape Cod with his wife Julie, where they look forward to visits from their children Sarah, Matt, Jason and his Jenine, and their grandchildren Grant and Sophia.