PEABODY — For Wayne Moda, wrestling has never been just about winning matches.

The longtime Saugus/Peabody wrestling coach was recently honored with the Wrestler’s Heart Award by the Massachusetts Wrestling Hall of Fame, an honor presented to an individual who embodies the heart, grit and spirit of wrestling.

For Moda, the recognition came as a surprise.

“It was unexpected. It’s a huge honor for me,” Moda said. “I spent the last 13 years of my life with the club and getting kids into wrestling. Wrestling has been my passion and my goal to get as many kids into wrestling as I can.

“I thoroughly enjoy every part of wrestling and mentoring these kids. The wins and losses are more a byproduct of the ultimate things that kids can get out of this.”

Moda has dedicated more than a decade to growing the sport on the North Shore. He founded Red Roots Wrestling Club, creating opportunities for young athletes to develop both on and off the mat before eventually leading the Saugus/Peabody high school program.

Building the club, however, was not without challenges.

“One of the challenges was early in the club days, it was just trying to get access for a certain number of kids,” Moda said. “We needed to get numbers in to build up the club to a point where we had quality guys in terms of competition. That was hard, but along the way you find these kids who might not have been the best athletes, or kids who might have been bullied and had no other place to go.”

Moda, who was named this year’s Northeastern Conference and the Daily Item’s coach of the year, wanted to make sure whoever wanted to wrestle had an opportunity to be part of a team. 

“I wanted everyone to be involved and I never shied away from a kid that wanted to try wrestling and feel part of a team,” he said. “I have the ultimate respect for anyone who tries wrestling.”

His coaching philosophy has been shaped by the mentors who influenced his own life.

“I had coaches who always believed in me and that totally changed my life,” Moda said. “The sport itself has taught me how to be successful in business and successful as a father and husband.

“Every important thing in life has been impacted by the sport, from people helping me along and giving me confidence to do things that I never thought I could do. I just want to pass that forward to every kid as possible.”

Last December, Moda was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer, but he continued coaching throughout the season while leading Saugus/Peabody to history. This past winter, the team captured the Div. 2 North sectional title — the first sectional championship for either school.

“Trying to remain focused on the kids and on their needs … has been hard,” Moda said. “Some people might call me crazy because of how much time I spend on wrestling, but it’s my passion. I just feel it’s more important than most things in life, and I’ll keep continuing until I can’t.”

Above all, Moda hopes his wrestlers leave with confidence that extends beyond the mat.

“Some people come in and their goals are to be in better shape or win one match,” Moda said. “Those are all goals that can translate into life… You can focus and be realistic and choose those goals and make a plan every day to better yourself to achieve the goal in life.”

As Moda often reminds his wrestlers, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”