FPS staff report
March 8, 2010
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| Members of Coach Rusty Bright’s family was on hand Friday at the state tournament where the founder of Carrollton’s wrestling program was honored by the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association. In front from left are grandson Tyler Bright, Rusty and daughter Barb Hagerty. In the second row from left are son Tim Bright and girl friend Beth, granddaughter Alyson Bright, son Marvin Bright, Rusty’s wife Jean and son Stan Bright. Third row from left - grandsons CJ Bright, Trevor Bright and Dillon Bright, son Dave Bright, and son Barry Bright and wife Sheila. |
It will be a day to remember by many people - a daylong coming, but one that belonged to a deserving individual.
With family, friends and a host of former wrestlers in the stands at Jerome Schottenstein Center on The Ohio State University campus, former Carrollton head wrestling coach James “Rusty” Bright was last Friday inducted into the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Bright entered the Hall of Fame, something very few have accomplished, when he received the Sportsmanship Service Award as founder of the sport at Carrollton High School.
The now retired coach and educator received plaques designating his entry into the Hall from John Reggs, president of the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association, prior to Friday evening’s state tournament semi-final action.
With Coach Bright’s photo electronically display on screens in the center, thousands of wrestling fans from around the state heard of the Warrior mentor’s success story. They heard about the wrestling dynasty that Bright and his matmen built together.
Here’s what they heard:
James “Rusty” Bright had no idea how much he would impact the lives of hundreds of young athletes when he started the wrestling program in 1961 at Carrollton High School in Carroll County, Ohio. Like every young coach, he wanted to be successful, and he strived to build a program that would strengthen throughout the years.
Rusty grew the program into the Carrollton Warriors powerhouse in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Many in that area of the state called it a dynasty, but moreover, he helped grow the lives of many young men in ways that extended far beyond wrestling. Indeed, Coach Bright is being honored here today because of the efforts of former wrestlers who have never forgotten and who will forever be appreciative of him as a knowledgeable, kind and caring coach.
In his 14 years as head coach at Carrollton, Rusty coached 28 young men right here at the state tournament, including eight who mounted the podium, but he sent scores more into the world better prepared for life. He coached 10 sectional and 4 district championship teams, but the growth of each of his matmen was the trophy he was always after. He finished his tremendous coaching career with an overall record of 114-41-1 and at one point, guided his Warriors to 49 straight wins from 1966 to 1971. But, it’s not the numbers his fraternity of Warriors will remember, rather his passion for the sport and his compassion for the lives that filled the singlets.
His love for the sport of wrestling carried over into the lives of a large number of his former wrestlers - many whose children and grandchildren took up the sport. A number more have become wrestling coaches themselves (including one of his sons), and two of his Warriors have officiated at this state tournament for several years.
Coach Bright was well respected by his peers, heralded by his fans and esteemed by his community. He is a unique and quiet 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 was a staunch 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 they deserved.
Rusty promoted commitment and devotion as he pushed each wrestler to their fullest capability. There was pride in being “one of Rusty’s boys”. To his many wrestlers, he was “Coach Bright” for a fleeting moment, but a friend and mentor forever. Now as the years roll by, many of his wrestlers have become business owners and leaders in their respective communities. They will tell you that they owe their competitive drive and success in life to the foundation and respect that he instilled.
Following Friday’s presentation, Rusty relaxed in a loge at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, compliments of former wrestlers Charlie McCort and Bryan Shaw.
Family, friends and former wrestlers celebrated Rusty’s induction while watching the evening’s semi-finals of wrestling which included matches featuring Carrollton’s Kevin Malone and Joey Miller. |
