One of Southern Minnesota's well-known names in the sport of wrestling was the late Richard "Dick" Maher. This prominent fi gure served Minnesota well as a coach and Athletic Director, and he helped in the development of this great sport. Maher grew up in Northeast Iowa, attending New Hampton High School. He graduated in 1954 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a teletype operator for three years, stationed in Hawaii. Upon completion of his military service he attended Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa) where he earned a B.A. in physical education and American history, graduating in l961. During his time in Cedar Falls he earned three varsity letters in Wrestling. He went on to earn an M.A. in l970 from the University of Northern Iowa. He later completed additional graduate work at Mankato State University. Dick married Shirley "Shirl" Kuennen on June 13, l959. He began his teaching career in the fall of l961. He taught PE/Health and American History. He also served as head wrestling coach, assistant football coach, and he started a boys golf program. In l964 Maher was hired at Blue Earth to teach elementary physical education and serve as head wrestling coach and assistant football coach. He coached 18 years in football and 13 years as a wrestling coach. Maher's wrestling teams were always successful as his dual meet record at Harmony was 33-3 with three conference titles and two district titles. At Blue Earth from 1964 to l975 and 1976/77 he had a dual meet record of 101-61-3, with three conference titles, ten District titles and four Region titles. His l974 team placed third in state. He coached a state champion in Todd Kriewall, and eleven state place winners. In l974 Maher became Athletic Director at Blue Earth. In l982 he was named Activities Director and Assistant Principal. In these positions Maher was able to help further the development of the sport of wrestling. He served on numerous committees, serving as President of the Minnesota Athletic Directors Association in l987. He was influential in the development of wrestling in Minnesota. He also was a 28-year member of the MSHSL Officials Association, officiating in the sports of baseball, softball, and wrestling. Dick served his community well too. He was a member of the City Council, Police Commission and Knights of Columbus. He was a Blue Earth Library Board Member and served as chairmen of the church council. He also did much volunteer work for the Chamber of Commerce. He was also a 28 - year member of the American Legion and served as chairman of two high school scholarship committees. He served as a color commentator on KBEW Radio for Blue Earth wrestling meets for over 35 years. For Maher's services to young people he was voted into the Dave Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame, selected as Minnesota Athletic "Director of the Year, received the Athletic Director's "Award of Merit," and he was nominated for the National Athletic Directors "Distinguished Service Award" and the l996 Blue Earth "Teacher of the Year. He was inducted into the Minnesota Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 2002. Dick Maher was a man who dedicated his life to the education of young people and to his community. He helped pave the way for many to prosper. His efforts as a tireless worker and servant for many people, young and old, will be long remembered in his community and across the state of Minnesota. The Maher family includes wife, Shirl, and four children in John (Theresa) Maher of Austin, Mark (Lori) Maher of Blue Earth, David (Chris) Maher of Stafford, Virginia and Michele Ritter of Blue Earth.