Josh Pelletier recorded 110 wins during his high school days at Foxcroft Academy. He recorded 66 more while wrestling at division 1 Liberty University.
On Saturday, Pelletier was presented into the Maine Wrestling Hall of Fame by his father Maynard Pelletier. Josh became the third Pelletier in the Hall of Fame like his Dad and uncle Romey. The tears in the room were flowing as his Dad talked of Josh’s accomplishments, how proud he was of him, and all of the struggles that Josh has gone through to get to this point. It has not always been easy, but one thing that was constant was Josh’s attitude to never quit and his faith in God. As Josh approached the podium to receive his award from his Dad, a big hug was exchanged that showed the love and respect that he had for his Dad. The first thing that Josh did was to thank all the people that have helped him get here.
Josh celebrating his award with his Dad, Maynard and Coach Ayala from Foxcroft Academy
His family, his teammates, his coaches, and God have all had a great influence on him. Josh talked about that he never did like to wrestle because early on he was not really good and he hated losing. He was even thinking of not wrestling in high school, but that quickly changed when his Dad told him that he did not have to wrestle but had to do something in the winter season. He could not just sit at home and do nothing. Josh could not find anything else that he liked to do so he went out for the wrestling team with his brother, and he had a remarkable High School career.
Josh wrestling at division 1 Liberty University.
The values that he learned early in life to never quit helped get to through the rough times. When he was injured his senior year in college he knew that he did not want to end like that. It left an empty feeling in him. So when he got a second chance he made the most of it and worked extra hard to reach his goal. He was not going to quit then when things seemed at its lowest. His attitude and faith carried him through.
Below is the list of accomplishments
High School Record – @ Foxcroft Academy- 110 wins, 11 losses, and 69 pins
3 time PVC Champion
3 time Eastern Maine Champion
3 time state Champion
Keene NH Tournament Champion
McDonalds Tournament Champion
Redskins Invitational Tournament Champion
2 time Noble Tournament Champion
Junior year placed 6th in New England Championship
Senior year New England Champion
Honors received-
2006Maine Wrestler of the year
2006Maine Sunday Telegram Wrestler of the year
2006Dave Schulz High School Excellence Award
2006 Portland Press Herald Athlete of the year
College
2006-2011 Division I Liberty University Record 66 wins and 32 losses
3 year starter at Liberty University–
Junior year- Placed 2nd in his conference championships
Senior year- was Seated #1 in the NCAA East Regionals. He needed to win to qualify to the National Tournament.
– He injured his knee during warm ups. He was devastated because he thought that was his last chance to go to Nationals. Had surgery after the tournament.
2013- He came home to recover. During this year was Assistant Coach at FA and FA won their 3rd State Championship in a row.
2014- Coached the University of Maine inaugural year into the NCWA. He helped qualify 7 wrestlers to Nationals.
20155- After 3 years of surgeries and recovery Josh returned to Liberty University to wrestle. He qualified to the NCWA National Tournament by winning the East Regionals. At the Nationals he was a National Finalist and placed 2nd.
He finished the season with a Record of 33-6 and was an All-American.
