What began as a quest for meaning in his life turned into a lifetime vacation for Dick Slutzky. Sluzky walked into the wrestling room at Southedge Jr. JR. High School, North Massapequa, Long Island, New York in 1954. Forty seven years and many wrestling rooms later he is still at it.

Following graduation from Syracuse University in 1964, Slutzky headed the program at Baldwin Harbor Jr. High School for two years, then returned to Syracuse University as an assistant coach.  He would coach at the collegiate level over the next six years, assisting head coaching at the University of Tampa during the 1968-69 season and assisting at the University of Pittsburgh for three years. His coaching career lasted 37 yrs.

In 1972 he came to Aberdeen, Maryland and began of the most successful wrestling programs in Maryland history. Over the next 25 years Slutsky’s Aberdeen High School Teams compiled a dual match record of 288-42-1, won 50 Tournament Titles including consecutive Maryland State titles from 1988- 1999. This was the first Maryand high school to win three consecutive outright titles.

Aberdeen won 13 straight Harford County League Titles (1988-97). During that time prtiod they recorded 10 undefeated dual meet seasons. In 1990 Amateur Wrestling News ranked Aberdeen HS 23rd in its National High School Rankings. 

He coached three High School All Americans at Aberdeen and his shin, Matt. became Maryland’s first four-time State Champions and competed for the Unites States in the Pittsburgh All -Star Classic.

Slutsky competed scholastically at Plainedge High School, New York, North Massapequa winning 71 matches in 78 starts. He won league championships, and was named league Outstanding Wrestler, 1958, 1959, 1060 and won a Sectional and Regional title in 1960. He continued his career at Syracuse University going 58-12-2 for the Orangemen. He was and EIWA Champion in 1964, after placing second in 1963 and was and NCAA Runner-up at 157 lbs in 1964, after placing 4th in 1963.