Coach found innocent of assault

The judge said both men consented to fight.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- A Canfield Middle School wrestling coach was found innocent of misdemeanor assault after punches were thrown following a 2005 wrestling match.
Joseph Blazak was accused of punching the parent of an opposing wrestler during the league championship tournament at Liberty High School in February 2005.
Judge Michael Bernard issued the verdict earlier this week.
Blazak could have faced a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, if convicted.
But Judge Bernard said Blazak and the parent, John Drummond of Niles, mutually consented to fight, provoked one another -- and that each man swung at the same time.
He also said Drummond was the aggressor because he pursued Blazak, after Blazak repeatedly attempted to walk away.
The confrontation
During the trial, city Prosecutor Bob Johnson said Blazak became angry during the tournament because he felt one of his wrestlers had been intentionally head-butted.
He said Drummond approached Blazak after the match and a confrontation ensued.
Johnson said Blazak told Drummond, "I got something for your son," as the two men argued about the head-butting. He said Drummond followed Blazak into the area of the arena reserved for coaches to question what Blazak meant by the comment. Blazak, he said, yelled at Drummond, challenged him to a fight and eventually struck him in the face.
Blazak, during the trial, told a different story.
Under questioning from his lawyer, Atty. Ben Joltin, Blazak said Drummond approached him in an agitated state after the match and said his son did not intentionally head-butt anyone.
Blazak told the court he tried to turn his back and walk away from Drummond, but Drummond followed him, cursing, into the area reserved for coaches. Blazak said he was fearful for his safety.
Blazak said he turned to tell Drummond to leave the area, but Drummond threatened him and threw a punch knocking off his glasses. Blazak said he hit Drummond in the chin after the punch had been thrown.
jgoodwin@vindy.com