He is responsible for that moment of intense pride. It wasn’t handed to him, it didn’t land on him when he opened the window. it did not come from me. And it gives me chills to witness the satisfaction he reaps from his own determination.
Brendan Rogers, an OPRF Wrestler 2004-2009, talks about the impact Coach Powell had on his life, especially the moment Powell gave Brendan the team state medal; Brendan was unable to wrestle team state because of a knee injury.
My youngest son, Colin, talks about the importance of Coach Powell as a father figure in his life,the hard work of wrestling and the thrill of winning.
OPRFHS Wrestling Mom Caryn Brooks talks about the wrestling family, other wrestling moms, youth wrestling and Coach Powell.
Watch a video of the wrestlers at Oak Park and River Forest High School as they work out in the weight room.
My youngest son, Colin, is moving into wrestling season, hoping to make varsity his sophomore year. He weighs about 130 now, is hoping to make 125, but he will go to 119, if Coach Powell needs him to. Colin is eating five to six pieces of fruit a day, lots of fresh vegetables, some grilled chicken or salmon, working out, running, lifting weights and eager to start practice in a few weeks. He is more eager than anxious. But he knows he will be tested.
Do you know how much your child weighs down to the ounce? Do you avoid making eye contact with your child after he or she loses a match until your child approaches you? Do you find yourself wearing the school colors every day whether or not you are attending a meet or tournament?
Then you're a WMD. A Wrestling Mom or Dad.
And we'd love to hear your stories. Submit a guest column, a few photos, videos, or comments and we will publish them on the site.
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