OPRF Community Defends Suspended Wrestling Coach

A popular varsity wrestling coach at Oak Park and River Forest High School has reportedly been placed on administrative leave, and the school community isn’t so complacent.

Mike Powell was reportedly placed on leave earlier this month, according to Oak Park’s Wednesday Journal. District 200 officials haven’t confirmed or denied Powell’s suspension due to privacy.

During a Nov. 17 school board meeting, attendees brought up the incident, which they believe occurred when Powell had given several wrestlers access to his house to watch his dogs. What happened next is less clear and under investigation.

More than a dozen former and current OPRF wrestlers and their parents showed up at that same meeting and argued for Powell’s reinstatement.

The wrestling team is trying to defend its fourth straight state championship this year, and Powell was the head coach when the team won several titles in the past. He's currently an assistant coach.

The team's first match is Tuesday.

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