It is hard to imagine anyone more deserving.
Centerville Head Wrestling Coach Mike Day was inducted into the Indiana High School Wrestling Hall of Fame, Sunday, Feb. 19, in a ceremony at the 502 Event Centre in Carmel, Indiana.
The Indiana Wrestling Hall of Fame was established in 1972 to honor those involved in Indiana High School programs who have been outstanding wrestlers, had outstanding coaching careers, and/or made valuable contributions to Indiana High School wrestling.
Day became the fourth coach from a Wayne County school to be inducted, joining Charles Hilton (Richmond HS, 1978), Nelson Harrison (Hagerstown HS, 1987), and Nick Kovach (Richmond HS, 1991).
Day, twice named Regional Wrestling Coach of the Year (2019 and 2022), has compiled a remarkable record. His winning percentage at Centerville is nearly 78% and he is on the threshold of 500 wins. (498-144.) His teams have won nine Wayne County titles, four Wayne County Classic titles, nine Tri-Eastern Conference Championships and six Sectionals. Day’s teams have also accumulated a multitude of invitational titles. Day has coached nine state finalists in wrestling and 20 athletes who achieved Academic All-State honors.
For Day, who has coached three sports for over 30 years, coaching Wrestling has been a family affair. Day began coaching before the birth of his daughter Madison, the first of his two children. Madison was a team manager during her high school days. Day’s son Braeden also wrestled, and now Madison is helping to coach the girls who are part of the Centerville program. Day has also had the opportunity to coach his nephews, but he has always considered every wrestler he ever coached to be “family.”
Day has also had great success with Centerville football and girls track and field.
Day has always had a strong passion for building the programs he coaches while staying true to his faith and his family. It has been challenging but rewarding. By his own admission, coaching football was his first passion, but from the time he became involved in the wrestling program he has enjoyed it.
The families of coaches must understand the time, energy, motivation, and patience required and having their support is key. Day has always had that support from his wife Hollie, who calls herself his biggest fan.
Day joined six former wrestlers, four fellow coaches and six other contributors and historians as Class of 2023 inductees.
2023 Hall of Fame inductees — Wrestlers: Kyle Ayersman (Lake Central), Harry Beck (Southport), Jason Cook (Valparaiso), Rick Mitchem (South Bend Adams), Chad Red (New Palestine), Gary Pierson (Beech Grove); Coaches: Mike Day (Centerville), Sean McGinley (Cathedral), Chad Red (Lawrence Central/New Palestine), Ron Stateler (South Vermillion), Jim Wadkins (Calumet); Contributors: Steve Anslinger (official), Mark Durham (Trackwrestling); Historians Special Family Award: Bill Wolf Family; Billy Thom Award: Ray Black Jr.; Harold F. Mumby Award: Zeke Seltzer (Cathedral); IHSAA Mental Attitude: Drake Buchanan (Center Grove).