Jameson, Powell in sync with each other

A special relationship that developed between wrestler and coach helped make a state multi-champ.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

COLUMBUS — When Tony Jameson and his family moved to Austintown from Norwalk when he was in seventh grade, Fitch wrestling coach Brett Powell knew he found something special. Someone who was already good, but had the potential to be great.

Saturday night in the state finals, Jameson affirmed Powell’s initial instincts by doing something no wrestler in the Valley has ever done before — win four state championships. The senior carried the burden of immense pressure on his shoulders and rose to the top by defeating Tecumseh’s T.J. Rigel in the 145-pound championship.

For Powell, it was a moment he’ll remember the rest of his coaching career and a milestone he thought was possible years before it came to fruition.

“I knew he was special even then by the way he moved and because he always came out on top,” said Powell. “He had great balance and he worked hard and had passion. I knew he was an uncanny wrestler then. After his sophomore year, I knew he had the potential of winning four titles. Others that did it told me that the sophomore year was the make-or-break year.”

Powell has been coaching for over 20 years and has mentored some solid wrestlers at Fitch. As a coach, you have to treat each kid the same, but when you have a Tony Jameson in your wrestling room, that’s tough to do.

The coach-wrestler relationship between Powell and Jameson has been solid. Jameson doesn’t need as much instruction as he needs affirmation and an advocate for him on the mat. Powell doesn’t need to say much to get Jameson ready to compete, as he is self-motivated.

“He looks to me out of respect and for approval,” said Powell. “If he looks over at me and I’m scowling, then he knows things aren’t going the way they need to be and he’ll go over things in his mind. If I tell him something isn’t correct, then he’ll think about it.

“He kind of does his own thing out there and has his own gameplan of what he wants to do out there. I’ll give him suggestions and if he takes them, that’s fine; if not, that’s OK too because he knows what he’s doing. Our personalities work well together because I’m pretty open and allow him to be flexible with how he does things. He likes to do things on the fly, so it works out well.”

After winning his state title Saturday, Powell was the first person Jameson embraced after coming off the mat. He jumped into Powell’s arms and was carried off the mat. Asked about the relationship between the two, Jameson didn’t hesitate.

“If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be where we are right now,” said Jameson. “He’s a reason my family is so stable in Austintown. He’s really helped me get to where I am.”

And where he is, is on top — a place where he will be forever in the history of Ohio high school wrestling.

“He’s the best wrestler I ever saw,” said Powell. “I’m so proud.”