OPRF wrestling coach featured in Sports Illustrated

58°

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 10:54 AM

By Brad Spencer

Sports Editor

OPRF wrestling coach Mike Powell’s story of perseverance while living with a debilitating muscle disease called polymyositis is featured in Sports Illustrated Magazine this week.

Powell was a state wrestling champ at OPRF High School in 1994, and coached the Huskies to their first team state title during the 2008-09 season. Under Powell, the program has won three out of the last four West Suburban (Silver) Conference titles, including this season where the team grappled to a perfect 6-0 mark. He helped lead three state wrestlers to individual state titles — a school record — last season.

Powell was diagnosed with the disease in 2009 at the age of 33.

Click here to read the Sports Illustrated story.

Click here to read a column about Powell from 2009.

Reader Comments

3 Comments - Add Your Comment

Comment Policy

Laura Sanchez from Broadview Heights, Ohio

Posted: Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 4:40 PM

I picked up this week's issue of SI. As an alumni of OPRFHS, of course the article grabbed my eye. I didn't get choked up, because I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at age 30 and couldn't get up a flight of stairs for 6 months. I just want him to hang in there and keep helping the kids he works with because they need him. Don't give up Mike!

Tom from River Forest

Posted: Friday, February 10th, 2012 2:30 PM

I challenge anyone to read that article without choking up at least a couple times. Mike Powell is truly an inspiration. My prayers and best wishes to him and his wife.

Michele Weldon from Chicago

Posted: Thursday, February 9th, 2012 2:13 PM

Mike Powell is one of the most amazing people I have ever known. I am profoundly grateful for his impact on all three of my sons. Watch the videos of him on my site, www.wrestlingmom.net Michele Weldon

Wednesday Journal News Blog

Water line break shuts off water service for part of Oak Park Avenue

Friday, May 18th 2012 11:07 AM

Updated 12:12 p.m.
Crews have patched the leak in the water main and water service has been restored along Oak Park Ave.

(No Comments) Read More...

Black College Night at OPRF

Thursday, May 17th 2012 02:55 PM

On Wednesday, May 30, from 7-8:30 p.m., Oak Park River Forest High School's Parent Connection will host its first Black College Night, which will highlight the opportunities available for our students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

(28 Comments) Read More...

Yova coffee shop space for sale

Wednesday, May 16th 2012 02:53 PM

The space housing Yova Gourmet Coffee & Treats in the South Town Business District is for sale.

(1 Comment) Read More...

What We're Reading

Latest Blog Comments