Nick Burgess started his illustrious coaching career in 1971 following his wrestling career and graduation from Capital University.

Beginning at Strongsville Center Junior High, Burgess would move to Pickerington (Central) High School in 1974 where he founded the wrestling program.

During his 32-year career, Burgess accomplished many achievements.

Under his leadership, Pickerington won numerous league, district, and regional championships. He coached 76 state qualifiers, 26 state place-winners, 12 state finalists, and seven state champions. He is seventh all-time in Ohio dual match victories with 379.

Burgess was named the Ohio High School Division I Coach of the Year in 1995 and 2002 and was inducted to the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001. He was inducted into the Pickerington Hall of Fame in 2014.

Burgess’ legacy stretches beyond being a coach. He has worked as a wrestling official, football coach, and president of the Central District Coaches Association.

Burgess has been a role model for his student-athletes setting high standards for them on and off the mat. Burgess helped struggling students prepare for the Ohio Graduation Test, one of his proudest accomplishments. He was dedicated to pushing his wrestlers and students to perform at the highest level possible.

Burgess would often say, “Once you have wrestled, everything else in life will seem easy in comparison.”

Through his mentorship, there are countless individuals who have lived an easier life.