Your senior year is special. For Chuck Austin, his last
year at Midview was one dreams are made of. And it concluded a
tremendous career for the Middies.
Chuck Austin was as tough as they come on the gridiron. A three-year
letter winner, he excelled at running back and linebacker his first
two seasons at the varsity level. Chuck took his game to new heights
as a senior, displaying outstanding skills at a different position,
when first-year head coach Phil Sheffield moved him to tight end. But
Austin continued to dominate games defensively from his familiar
linebacker spot. That senior season, Chuck showed what was to come in
game one, as he snagged three touchdown passes in Midview’s win over
Fairview. As captain, Austin led by example, leading the team in
tackles, and snaring 20 passes, averaging 20 yards per catch. Chuck
was team MVP, but that wasn’t all. He was a Plain Dealer Dream Team
member, and was all-conference at linebacker, and a unanimous
all-conference pick at tight end. He was also first team all county
and all-district, and was honorable mention in the prestigious Golden
Helmet Award balloting.
Chuck took his act to the hardwood in the winter. Having already
earned one letter in basketball, he was named captain, and again led
by example, as Midview captured a conference co-championship with
Clearview. Described in local papers as “rugged and quick”, Austin
averaged over 15 points per game, while leading the team in
rebounding. He won another team MVP Award, and was named first-team
All Lakeland Conference. In tournament play, Chuck was selected 2nd
team all sectional, while averaging 20 points and 18 rebounds per game
in the Middies’ two contests.
Chuck’s accomplishments on the gridiron attracted the attention of
then Akron assistant coach Jim Dennison, who recruited him for the
Zips. Austin shined in Akron, lettering for three years and starting
all 11 games his senior season. He was selected to play in the highly
regarded East-West Shrine game at Ohio State University in Columbus.
Chuck is a sales manager and lives in Columbia Station, Ohio, with his
wife Kathy.
Copyright © 2003-10 MAHOF - All Rights
Reserved
