When the New York State Public High School Athletic Association opens its doors for the 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony, one name will stand out among the inductees: Dan Gillespie, the longtime coach of the Maple Hill Wildcats.
Over five decades, Gillespie has amassed a staggering 773 wins, 203 losses and 45 ties in boys’ soccer, guiding the Wildcats to 24 sectional championships, including their most recent title in 2025. The team captured state crowns in 1998, 2000 and 2006, and reached the Class C semifinals in November 2025, a testament to the coach’s enduring impact.
His influence extends beyond the soccer field. From 1995 to 2008 he steered the boys’ basketball program to a 174‑101 record, and his track and field squads have also flourished, claiming 12 sectional championships, the latest coming this spring.
From Humble Beginnings to Early Glory
Gillespie’s coaching journey began in 1974 with a 10‑0 defeat in his first game, but the setback was short‑lived. Just a decade later, in 1987, the Wildcats secured their first sectional championship under his guidance, heralding a new era for the school.
Recent Triumphs and State Recognition
The 2025 season added another chapter, as the Wildcats captured their 24th sectional title and advanced to the state semifinals, while the track team added yet another championship, bringing Gillespie’s total coaching championships to twelve across three sports.
The induction ceremony will feature a roundtable discussion at the Hyatt Regency, where Gillespie will sit alongside fellow honorees Mark Bubniak, Pat Gillespie, Julie Stimik Bergman, Fred Fusaro, Paul McClintock, Walter Munze, Carla Tagliente and James Allen. The gathering promises to celebrate not only individual achievement but also the collective spirit of high school athletics.
Beyond the trophies and records, Gillespie’s legacy is measured by the countless student‑athletes who have passed through his programs, many of whom credit him with shaping their discipline, leadership and love of sport. As the 2026 ceremony approaches, the Maple Hill community prepares to honor a coach whose career has become synonymous with perseverance, excellence and community pride.