Matt Midea dies
Former Wash High wrestling and football coach Matt Midea died Sunday at age 78. Midea was the head wrestling coach for nine seasons before retiring in 1998 but spent 19 years in the program. He led the Prexies to two WPIAL Class AA Team Tournament titles and was in the corner when Aaron Gatten won two individual gold medals. At one point, Wash High advanced a wrestler to the state finals in five consecutive seasons under Midea.
What impressed me most, however, is how he carried himself during his career. He was outgoing, friendly and could laugh at himself. He also was an intense competitor and could chew a wrestler out when the need arose but it never carried over to the next match.
I enjoyed working with him because he was smart, knew the sport and had a unique quality to be comfortable in any situation. He was fun to be around. Matt might have stayed a while longer coaching wrestling but the PIAA did not permit retiring teachers to keep coaching jobs. What a stupid rule.
A viewing is going to be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday at Warco-Falvo Funeral Home in Washington and the funeral is Friday.
Here is a link to the column I wrote for the paper:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/06-16-Midea-dies-column
What impressed me most, however, is how he carried himself during his career. He was outgoing, friendly and could laugh at himself. He also was an intense competitor and could chew a wrestler out when the need arose but it never carried over to the next match.
I enjoyed working with him because he was smart, knew the sport and had a unique quality to be comfortable in any situation. He was fun to be around. Matt might have stayed a while longer coaching wrestling but the PIAA did not permit retiring teachers to keep coaching jobs. What a stupid rule.
A viewing is going to be held from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday at Warco-Falvo Funeral Home in Washington and the funeral is Friday.
Here is a link to the column I wrote for the paper:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/06-16-Midea-dies-column
posted by Joe Tuscano at
8:13 AM
2 Comments:
Every so often I'd think about (or ask someone) what Caoch Midea was up to these days. I might not have been old enough to drink the last time I saw him, geez. I rememember him as a very genuine, friendly man. Among his coaching accomplishments, it's easy to forget what he did for the program when it slumped-he found a way to fill the line-up & keep several JVs on the squad, keeping it healthy until they could rebuild.
Rest in Peace, Coach.
Hope the golden years were good for you.
---Mr Blondey
I was a football co-captain & QB for Matt at Newark (Ohio) Catholic in 1965-66. An 'old school' coach who demanded our best and helped make us men. I missed the chance to thank him as an adult. RIP, Coach, and thanks.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home