By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
The Groveport Madison Cruisers are saying goodbye to two more varsity coaches.
Earlier this year varsity football coach Bryan Schoonover resigned after seven seasons as head coach. Now head varsity wrestling coach Brian Brison and head varsity boys basketball coach Ryan Grashel have left the Cruiser athletic program effective immediately.
According to Groveport Madison High School Athletic Director Steve Petros, Brison is stepping down to spend more time with his family, which includes two young boys who will be starting their own athletic participation. Grashel accepted the head boys basketball coaching position at New Albany High School.
“Coach Grashel took a program that won three games in three years and turned it into an annual winner,” said Petros. “His 8-year track record of his players in the classroom is something few know about but should be equally proud. Coach Grashel has made many contributions to the community that were far beyond the expectations of being a basketball coach.”
Said Grashel, “I sincerely thank Cruiser Nation for your support over the past eight years. I truly cherish my time at Groveport Madison and want to personally thank the players, staff, alumni, and community for your dedication to our program.”
Brison coached the wrestling squad to three straight Ohio Capital Conference Capital Division titles.
“Coach Brison came into a program that was low on numbers and expectations and immediately turned it into a championship program,” said Petros. “His professionalism and approach to leading the wrestling program was impressive from the first day he walked in.”
Petros added that Grashel and Brison “are models of how to lead young men.”
Petros said the athletic program is in the process of posting the jobs internally.
“If we go to the next step, we will post externally,” said Petros. “I hope to have the positions filled prior to July 1. There are some things we look for in all of our coaches. They need to be organized, enthusiastic, professional and knowledgeable about their sport.”
