Mat official Rich Kunkle finally is a state qualifier

The ex-Fitch High wrestler and coach is officiating in the state wrestling meet.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBUS — After 18 years on the wrestling mat, Rich Kunkle is finally a state qualifier.

Thursday, the Canfield resident experienced the state wrestling tournament as a participant for the first time when he was one of 30 officials calling the action at the Schottenstein Center at Ohio State.

He was selected from a nominated list of 25 names that were eligible to officiate this year’s state tournament. Kunkle is one of nine referees from northeast Ohio to make it to Columbus — out of over 150 officials.

“It’s an honor to be chosen,” said Kunkle, who wrestled and coached at Fitch High. “This was a goal I set when I started officiating and now I’ve accomplished it. I guess I’m part of the cream of the crop now.

“I haven’t been to a state tournament since 1989 when it was at St. John Arena, before it moved to Dayton. Now it’s back in Columbus at a new place and I’m excited to see what it’s all about now. It is a treat to see the best of the best wrestlers in the state.”

Kunkle will officiate dozens of watches this weekend, including the finals Saturday night. He is guaranteed to referee at least one finals match, but he has no preference of which matches he draws or who the wrestlers are.

“They are all the same to me,” Kunkle said. “Whatever happens, happens. I don’t really have any expectations. It will just be an experience of a lifetime.”

Kunkle competed in high school wrestling in middle and high school at Fitch. He became a volunteer coach at Fitch in 1985 and was promoted to the freshman wrestling coach. He coached until 1993 with current Fitch coach Brett Powell.

In 1990, Kunkle earned his officiating license, knowing that after he left coaching he still wanted to be involved in the sport one way or another. After retiring from coaching, he picked up the whistle and began refereeing — and he’s been at it ever since.

“I liked my time coaching, but it takes a lot of time and I got married,” he explained. “But I wanted to stay in it through officiating. I enjoy the sport, the kids and the different people I’ve met. The friendships I’ve made really make it worthwhile.”

Like basketball referees and baseball umpires, wrestling officials take their share of grief from coaches and fans. Kunkle doesn’t mind the criticism so much, as long as things don’t get too out of hand.

“Parents and coaches do give you a hard time, but I’ve developed a thick skin,” said Kunkle. “Like I tell the young guys, you are in control of that mat and you are central to what goes on. Good officials evaluate their calls and if a coach argues, you listen. I’ve changed calls before, if I think maybe I was wrong.”

In his years on the mat, Kunkle has seen some tremendous high school wrestlers in the tournaments he’s worked. He has had the opportunity to see Fitch standout Tony Jameson on several occasions and has come away very impressed.

“He’s very good,” said Kunkle. “And I think he’s misunderstood a little bit. Some people think he’s arrogant, but he’s a gentlemen and polite to the referees and the coaches.

“I’ve officiated Fitch matches before and I do the Hephner tournament every year, but I don’t show favoritism. In fact, I’m probably harder on the Fitch kids than any others.

“But with coach Powell being inducted and Derick Fletcher getting Coach of the Year here, it will be nice to be around some people I know this weekend. It will help me feel more comfortable, because I’m the rookie this weekend.”