Fitch wrestling coach is inducted

Brett Powell joined the state hall of fame in his sport.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBUS — Fitch High wrestling coach Brett Powell doesn’t seek attention for the things he’s accomplished in his more than 20 years of coaching. He’d rather the focus be on the kids he mentors.

But Saturday night, prior to the state finals, he couldn’t hide from the limelight. The spotlight was shining on him in front of over 15,000 fans at Value City Arena.

Powell was inducted into the state wrestling coaches Hall of Fame — getting in on the first attempt. Also inducted were Hudson and former Ashland University coach Mark Osgood and former Cleveland St. Joseph coach John Storey, who coached such wrestlers as Bob and Mike Golic.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time,” said Powell minutes before the induction. “This is something you hope could happen someday if things work out, but it’s not something you plan on. I’m not sure that I’m worthy right now, but when my career is over, I can know that I stood the test of time.

“People think I sacrifice but the real sacrifice is what my family does. I’m gone almost all winter at practices, meetings or tournaments. My wife finds a way to get everything done and get my sons where they need to be. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Powell began his stint as the wrestling coach at Fitch in 1985 after previously serving as an assistant at Ursuline. While at Fitch, Powell has coached five state champions — Tony Jameson (four times) and Greg Faunda (1997), and 30 state qualifiers. His teams have won 13 conference championships and three sectional crowns.

In 1998, he was the state coaches association’s coach of the year and has earned that honor among conference coaches 10 times. Most recently, Powell has led the Falcons to top-10 team finishes at the state tournament in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Powell is a business education and marketing teacher at Fitch High.

During his own high school wrestling career, Powell was a state placer for West Branch and won four conference championships. He was a two-year wrestling letterman at Youngstown State.

“I went to a great school in West Branch, my mom and dad encouraged me and my brother wrestled with me,” said Powell. “I’ve had a great support system all my life.”