By Bill Peterson
General Manager
February 1, 2010
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| Coach James "Rusty"Bright |
The founder of Carrollton wrestling will be a top honoree at this year’s State Wresting Tournament in Columbus.
James “Rusty” Bright, who started the wrestling program at Carrollton back in 1961 and took that program to prominence in a short period of time, will be inducted into the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame at this year’s state tournament.
Bright will enter the Hall of Fame, something very few have accomplished, as he receives the Sportsmanship Service Award as founder of the sport at Carrollton High School.
Certainly, it was Rusty’s vision to begin a program at CHS, but in short order he built the mat program into what many in this part of the state called a dynasty.
In 14 years as head wrestling coach, Rusty amassed a record of 114-41-1 and at one point guided his Warriors to 49 straight wins from 1966 through 1971.
During his illustrious career, the likable and much respected mentor sent 28 qualifiers to the state tournament, including eight who mounted the placement podium.
He coached 10 sectional and four district championship teams during his tenure as head coach.
Bright’s style of coaching brought praise from his peers and respect and love from his fraternity of Warrior matmen.
He enters the Hall of Fame many years after leaving coaching and after retirement as an educator, because of the initiative of several of his former wrestlers,..an intiative led by Ron Tschantz, long-time Eastern District wrestling official and 1972 CHS grad.
“Coach Bright was, and still is, a unique and quiet man...a man who exemplifies what a good coach should be, a man who enthused others and a professional educator who instilled confidence, respect, self worth and pride. He promoted commitment and devotion as he pushed each wrestler to their fullest capability. There was pride bestowed in being ‘one of Rusty’s boys’. Coach Bright talked the talk and walked the walk,” said Tschantz of his former coach.
“Coach Bright was well respected by coaches, wrestlers and his community. But, he was more than that...he was our leader, our mentor and a friend. He was always a staunch promoter and proponent of good sportsmanship and fair play. He always wore a tie and sport coat to each match and treated match officials and opposing coaches with the respect that they so rightfully deserved,” said Tschantz, vice president of the Ohio Wrestling Officials Association.
“Now as the years roll by, many of his wrestlers owe their competitive drive and success in life to the foundation and respect that he instilled in each of us,” said Tschantz.
Coach Bright will be inducted into the Hall Friday, March 5, prior to semi-final competition at the state tournament. Doors open at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on The Ohio State University campus at 5:30 p.m., and Bright’s presentation will take place at 6:15 p.m., prior to the evening competition which begins at 6:30 p.m. |
