Purdue Wrestling Coach Scott Hinkel
Purdue Wrestling Coach at Kentland Rotary
The news at the Kentland Rotary Club on the morning after the Super Bowl had nothing to do with football but focused on Purdue’s victory over IU on Sunday in Big Ten wrestling. Purdue Wrestling Coach Scott Hinkel was the guest speaker for the noon luncheon meeting. He shared the story of his career that began when he was cut from his high school basketball team. Mr. Hinkel focused on wrestling and received Ohio All State recognition which led to a scholarship offer to wrestle at Purdue. He became an All American wrestler while attending Purdue and receiving his BS and MS degrees. Mr. Hinkel accepted a position to coach wrestling and teach Social Studies at Central High School in East Chicago. The success of program earned him the invitation to return to Purdue as an Assistant Wrestling Coach and he became the 13th Purdue Head Coach in 2007. Coach Hinkel explained that high school wrestling moved him from his initial plan of working in an automotive factory in the Cincinnati area after high school graduation to a degree from Purdue and a successful wrestling and coaching career.
Mr. Hinkel stated that the Purdue Team focuses on graduation, integrity, and then success in wrestling. Very few wrestling receive a full scholarship and they are expected to work to help pay their expenses. Team members are encouraged to participate as a volunteer at Purdue and in the community. In May of 2011 Purdue’s Akif Eren was named a recipient of the prestigious N4A Wilma Rudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award, honoring the Boilermaker senior for overcoming great personal and academic odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics. Mr. Hinkel shared a video of Akrif’s story with Rotary members. Mr. Hinkel’s resume and dedication to giving students a chance to succeed is exemplary. Scott was the guest of John Frischie.