WHS gym dedicated to past wrestling coach Rob Murphy

Wilmington High School honored retired wrestling coach Rob Murphy on Thursday with a ceremony to rename the high school gymnasium in his honor.
The event took place at the start of an ICE Conference quad meet celebrating Murphy's remarkable career spanning nearly three decades at WHS.
Murphy, who retired in 2022, left an indelible mark on the school and the sport.
“In honor and recognition of your outstanding career, Wilmington High School is dedicating this gym as the Rob Murphy Gymnasium,” announced WHS Principal Scott Maupin as Athletic Director Brian Goff presented Murphy with a plaque that will be identical to one that will be on the wall by the main gym entrance.
Murph accepted it, raised it up to the crowd, which included several past wrestlers. He was given a long standing ovation as Maupin read a long list of laurels.
As the head wrestling coach from 1994 to 2022, he led his teams to 570 dual meet wins, three IHSA Class A Dual Team State Championships (2007, 2008, 2009), six state trophies, 10 conference championships, and 12 regional championships.
His guidance shaped 129 state qualifiers, 52 state place winners, and 10 individual state champions, including his sons Robbie and Jake.
“Murphy's dedication to the sport earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2023,” Maupin noted.
Murph’s wrestling journey began in middle school and continued through high school at Coal City, where he earned All-State honors as a linebacker and was a two-time state wrestling qualifier with a record of 96-14, finishing third in state his senior year and helping the Coalers earn their first state wrestling trophy with a runner-up finish.
He later competed at Joliet Junior College and Olivet Nazarene University, achieving numerous collegiate honors, including three NCCAA championships and three NAIA national qualifications.
After serving as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve and teaching at Lincoln Community High School from 1988 to 1994, Murphy began his storied coaching career at Wilmington.
His contributions extended beyond coaching; he was active on the IWCOA executive board for 25 years and was deeply involved in fundraising, co-chairing Illinois/Indiana dual events, and hall of fame committees and past president.
Murphy’s dedication symbolizes his legacy of excellence, leadership and commitment to his athletes. His passion for the sport and community leadership inspired generations of wrestlers and coaches, Maupin said.
Murphy expressed his gratitude for the honor with a big wave as his wife Tina and their three children, Robbie, Jake and Erin, and seven grandchildren, have supported his journey.
The evening also included dual matches featuring Wilmington, Streator, Coal City and Herscher, reflecting the competitive spirit Murphy championed throughout his career.
As attendees stood for the National Anthem before the matches, the newly named gymnasium stood as a testament to a coach who dedicated his life to wrestling and the success of his athletes.