Friday, March 4, 2022
Rich Wallace was my wrestling coach from 1978-1981 at McCluer North High School. Mr. Wallace motivated and encouraged me to start working out with Nautilus equipment after my sophomore year and it led to some big strength gains over the next two years and beyond. He had a booming voice, a strong presence and a terrific work ethic. He practiced what he preached and was a constant and steady presence to help me push through what I thought were physical limits to achieve so much more. I lost contact after HS but always thought fondly of him. John Lanzone and Mike Poole say he was a great teacher and coach. Steve Blanner, the son of wrestling head coach Bob Blanner, said he was a good man. I never had classes with him but easy to believe he was, indeed, a great teacher. I'm pleased he had a lengthy retirement, enjoying the fruits of his labor with wife Vicki. I wish I could see him one more time. Wishing much love to Vicki, Rich Jr., Kim and family.
Respectfully, Rob Crowe.