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Logan Brown shakes hands with Purdue Assistant Coach, Scott Hinkle.
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The words "hard work is always rewarded" is painted next to a large Buccaneer logo on the back wall of the Covington High School weight room. Those six words are a reminder to every student/athlete who passes through Covington schools that hard word does pay off.
How fitting it was for Covington senior Logan Brown to sign a letter of intent to wrestle for Purdue University in front of that wall in the weight room he pounded the weights in order to make himself a better athlete.
"I've worked hard for this (a chance at the college level) for a long time," said Logan. "I'm so happy Purdue is giving me this opportunity."
Brown had interest from other schools, including Cleveland State and Ohio University. But, the opportunity of competing in the Big Ten and attending an institution with a strong emphasis on education was something he couldn't pass up.
"Ohio University and Cleveland State were appealing options," said Brown. "But, Purdue is just where I want to go. I have the opportunity to compete against the best and earn a quality education. I can't ask for a better situation."
Logan's qualifications on the mat and in the classroom made him a prospect the Purdue coaching staff couldn't pass up. Brown, who captured a state title in the 189 pound weight class and finished with a 52-0 record as a senior, made an impression on the Purdue coaches at the state meet and Senior Nationals.
"Logan has the size and physical aggressiveness we were looking for," said Purdue Assistant Coach Scott Hinkle, who made the trip from West Lafayette. "We saw him at the state meet and at Senior Nationals and we feel he has the physical tools to compete at a high level in the Big Ten."
It wasn't only Brown's wrestling prowess that made an impression, but his work ethic and reputation throughout the state.
"We talked to a lot of people about Logan," continued Hinkle. "Everything we've heard has been very positive in regards to his work ethic and the type of individual he is. We want quality people and excellent students as well as talented wrestlers. From what we have obtained, Logan has the entire package. If things work out like we think they will, Logan will be a good fit as a 197 pounder."
The signing with Purdue is a fitting end to Logan's high school career, but is the beginning of new challenges and new goals.
"My first year I'm going to red shirt so I can become acclimated to the college lifestyle and gain a years worth of maturity," said Brown. "After that, I want to become an All-American and win a National Championship."
Brown understands he is in for a rough road ahead of him in order to accomplish his goals.
"I'm going to learn all I can to improve," Brown continued. "I know I have a lot to learn and I'll get beat up in practice, but I'm willing to do what it takes. Purdue is taking a chance on me and offering me everything I need to be successful. It's up to me to make it happen."
The opportunity Purdue has offered Brown is something his family and those close to Logan feel he has richly deserved.
"He has really worked hard for this," said Logan's father Randy. "Every since he was 10 years old he was saying he wanted to play in the Big Ten. At that time it was football, but here we are eight years later and he is headed to the Big Ten. It's awesome."
Logan's mother agreed.
"We are so proud of him because he set his mind on something and accomplished it," said Karen, Logan's mother. "There were times he had bad days, but he never gave up. He lost to (Eric) Wright (of Tri-County North) three times as a sophomore and didn't get discouraged. He lost to (Spencer) Dye (of Sandusky St. Mary's) last year and didn't give up. He came back and won the state title this year and I have no doubt he'll be successful at Purdue."
After all, Logan Brown is proof that hard work is always rewarded.
Logan Brown's Wrestling Career Highlights:
Freshman Year: Logan recorded a 28-14 record and qualified for the district tournament at 171 pounds.
Sophomore Year: Brown accumulated a 49-7 record and wrestled at the state tournament in the 189 pound weight class.
Junior Year: Became just the third state placer in Covington history by taking third at 189 pounds. He finished with a 50-1 record.
Senior Year: Logan became Covington's first state champion and three-time state qualifier. Finished with a 52-0 record and a 179-22 career record. Brown also competed in Senior Nationals and finished in the top twelve in the nation.
Logan Brown's School Wrestling Records:
Most Career Wins: 179
Most Career Pins: 104
Most Career Takedowns: 680
Most Career Points: 916
Best Career Record: 179-22
Most Single Season Wins: 52
Most Single Season Pins: 33
Most Single Season Takedowns: 234
Most Single Season Points: 277
Best Single Season Record: 52-0
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