Dave Baldanza was a pillar of high school wrestling in Massachusetts, earning during his career 505 wins, 98 losses and three ties. He was a four-time sectional Coach-of-the-Year, two-time Boston Globe Coach-of-the-Year, and a National Wrestling Coaches Association-Massachusetts Coach-of-the-Year.

During Dave's tenure as coach, Weston boasted one New England Champion, two All-State Champions, 20 individual State Champions, and 52 Sectional Champions. Dave's finest moment was capturing the 1998 Division Ill State Championship banner with one of the smallest schools in the division. Although he recognized individual achievement, Dave always instilled in his teams the commitment to the common good. His team always reflected a family atmosphere.

Dave was an outstanding educator who expected his wrestlers to live by the four D's: determination, discipline, dedication and desire. His personal philosophy on life was forged as a Marine in Vietnam in the 1970's. Dave was not about the bravado; he was about getting things done.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, Dave attended college at Long Beach City College, Boston State College, and Long Island University. After college, Dave took a teaching position in the Weston Public Schools, where he was to remain for the next thirty-one years.

Dave retired from the Weston Schools in 2008. He and his wife, Angeles, continue to reside in Linwood, where he gets together often with his daughters Tamara, Courtney and Marcy, and sons Anthony and Michael.