Fifth in a series profiling the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame class of 2023. A banquet honoring the class will be held May 13 at German’s Villa in Vermilion.
Michael Wayne Jackson is no stranger to the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame as a coach for the 1993 Southview wrestling team. It was only a matter of time, before his playing career at Admiral King would be recognized.
Jackson’s journey started in the basement of Hawthorne Junior High, and would later go on to win a district and regional championship en route to a runner-up finish in the state tournament.
Showcasing raw talent in his early years, he quickly became one of the best wrestlers in Ohio with a 25-2 record in 1972.
1972 was also the year that he kickstarted a legendary one-year rivalry between himself and Midview’s Tony Lucki at 167.
Jackson got the better of him in the dual meet, sectional and district tournament. However, in the state championship bout, Lucki won in the dying seconds.
Second place in the state tournament etched him in stone for the highest placement for any Admiral King wrestler. He also holds the record for the fastest pin — 21 seconds — as well as being the only Admiral to win a district championship.
Jackson wrestled for Lorain County Community College’s (LCCC) start-up wrestling program at 190 pounds, while actually weighing 180.
Even though he was underweight, Jackson went 33-3, won a regional championship via pin and qualified for the national tournament.
He became one of the most well-respected wrestling figures in the area, not only as a player but a coach for over three decades.
Jackson coached numerous state-caliber wrestlers at Southview High School. He was also a part of the Saints’ 1993 state wrestling team, which is also in the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame.
He never cared about the money, but the mentorship he was able to provide as a role model. This was why he was a volunteer throughout his coaching career.
Jackson is 70 years old. His principles were handed down to the success of his children and grandchildren, who went on to have successful athletic careers.
