In 67 years and counting Ray Oliver’s Association with wrestling began as a trader at McDonogh School. It’s a journey that has taken Oliver to the United States Naval Academy and back to McDonogh School where he coached from 1947 to 1971 and taught until 1991.

Oliver was an EIWA finalist in 1944 for the midshipmen and cites his coach Ray Swartz, as a great influence in his decision to coach and teach. Oliver modestly calls himself, “just another coach with a winning record”, how good that record was is lost to posterity after a fire swept through the McDonogh School field house.

He was honored by McDonogh naming its “Character in Wrestling” after him as well as renaming the annual Christmas Tournament in his honor in 1992. In 1992 Oliver was presented the Johnny Eareckson Memorial Wrestling Award, presented to that individual who has demonstrated those qualities of inspiration and distinguished service to the Maryland wrestling community, as exemplified by Johnny Eareckson.

A charter member of the Maryland Wrestling Official’s Association, Oliver officiated from 1954 to 1981, serving as MWOA, President six time. He also officiated in the EIWS for 16 yrs., 1961-1976.

He still stays involved in officiating, evaluating new and not-so new officials in the area.