Powell intends to stay involved coaching OPRF wrestlers

Even though Oak Park-River Forest wrestling coach Mike Powell resigned last week, sophomore 120-pounder Gabe Townsell expects it will be business as usual inside the Huskies’ wrestling room.

Powell decided to retire as head coach just weeks after winning his second Class 3A state dual-team championship, but will remain in the program as an assistant. His resignation was approved by the OPRF District 200 School Board March 20.

“He’ll still be around,” Townsell said. “I don’t think it changes too much. He’ll still be active. He just does not want to be the head coach.”

The Huskies’ head coaching position had not been posted on the school’s website on Monday. Powell said his successor has not been named.

Powell said he began conducting workouts for this summer’s Junior Nationals on March 17.

“I’m still going to work 365 days a year,” Powell said. “As a head coach, I just don’t need the credit anymore. It’s not for my ego.”