02/26/2024
Today we lost a mentor, a friend, and a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Germann family. RIP Robert E. Germann Jr. You were an ambassador of our great sport. Thank you for everything you’ve done for so many of us across the country. You will be missed.
On Feb 24th, 2024, the wrestling community lost longtime referee, Bob Germann, who had a remarkable life and legacy.
Affectionately known around the country as Boston Bob, Germann wrestled for Lowell State College from 1966-70. Germann's wrestling career culminated with him winning a pair of New England State College Championships, twice being named the Outstanding Wrestler in the conference.
Upon graduation, Germann turned to coaching and was the head wrestling coach for the University of Lowell for 9 years. He served in that capacity before the merger of Lowell Tech and Lowell State at his alma mater at which time he turned to officiating. In 1981, Germann was inducted into the U-Lowell Athletics Hall of Fame. In 1985, he joined the Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Association, for which he was a cherished member until his passing on February 24th.
His commitment to the sport extended beyond just Massachusetts, as he served as a member of the New Hampshire Wrestling Officials Association. He was a member of their executive committee, and the rules interpreter for many years. At the NCAA level, Germann was a member of the New England Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Association, and the Eastern Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Association, each for over 25 years. Bob officiated numerous New England High School Championships, as the official representative from NH and MA. At the NCAA D3 level, he officiated over 15 New England / North East Regional Championships. He once officiated the NCAA D2 Tournament in Pueblo Colorado.
Nationally, Bob spent his time in retirement traveling the country and officiating in over 30 states. Since 2009, Germann has officiated the High School Nationals and NHSCA National Duals in Virginia Beach. Bob’s passion for wrestling was unmatched. His impact extends beyond just the official organizations he was involved in.
He was known around the country for his calm demeanor, and his ability to communicate and connect with coaches and athletes alike. He’d often greet coaches, athletes, table workers with a hug and offer them a jolly rancher or a mint. Coaches became friends and acquaintances became family to Germann.
Germann’s unwavering dedication to the sport of wrestling and to always do right by the wrestlers set him apart from other officials.
