JAMES QUIGLEY, Class of 1981

JAMES QUIGLEY
Class of 1981
Inducted in 2017

Yet another of the outstanding wrestlers who learned his craft under the tutelage of legendary Hall of Fame Coach George Bossi, Jim Quigley earned his place in the pantheon of greatness that is Lowell High Wrestling.

A four-year varsity competitor for the Red and Gray, Jim broke into the varsity lineup as a freshman, no easy feat given the caliber of talent that existed in the Lowell program.

As a sophomore (1978-1979), Jim began to demonstrate the ability and drive that would eventually make him a champion. After a 3rd place finish in the Wayland lnvitational, Jim capped off a successful campaign with a 3rd place at the Division I Sectional Tournament in the 128-pound class.

During his junior season (1979-1980), Jim reached the pinnacle of his sport as a key member of one of the most accomplished teams in the long and storied history of the Lowell Wrestling program. Moving up a weight class to 134 pounds, Jim scored an early season victory at the Wayland lnvitational Tournament. He then placed 2nd at the prestigious Lowell Holiday Tournament. After placing 2nd at the Division I Sectional Tournament, Jim returned the following week more determined than ever and won his 1st Division I State Championship. Jim was one of an incredible total of five Lowell Champions at the State Tournament, the first and only time a Lowell team has accomplished that feat. The Red and Gray emerged as Team Division I State Champions at the meet’s end. Jim proceeded to place 2nd at the New England Championship Tournament.

During a dominant senior year (1980-1981), Jim compiled a 17-0 dual meet record with 11 pins. The team Co-Captain, Jim scored victories at the Lowell Holiday and Division I Sectional Tournaments before garnering his 2nd consecutive Division I State Championship at 134 pounds. Jim earned the ultimate honor, being voted by the coaches as the State Tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler. After a tough loss in the first round of the New England Championships, Jim showed true character, winning three consecutive victories in the consolation bracket to secure a 3rd place finish. He finished the season with an overall 35-1 record. Jim was selected as a Boston Globe All-Scholastic and Wrestler-of-the-Year for his accomplishments and shared Lowell Sun Wrestler-of-the-Year honors with teammate Steve Beati.

Jim received high praise from his Lowell coaches. Assistant Coach Tim Fallon described Jim as a “leader by example, very quiet and unassuming, who worked hard and got the job done.” Coach Bossi called him one of the finest wrestlers he had ever coached.

Jim joins Coach Bossi and teammates Steve Beati, Mike Stuer, and Brian McMahon in the Hall of Fame.