LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING

·       Ephrata High School: 1967-68

·       Burlington-Edison High School: 1968-1987

Ed Brunz graduated from Burlington High School in 1964, where he was a standout multi-sport athlete. He placed eighth at the 1963 State Wrestling Tournament, finished third in the state track meet in the 440-yard dash, and earned All-Northwest defensive back honors in football. He trained under Hall of Fame coaches Bo Campbell (NWHOF-2005) and Gary Knutzen (NWHOF-2011), who helped shape his early wrestling career. Ed continued his education at Washington State University, competing in both wrestling and track and graduating in 1968. He earned distinction as the Pac-12 Freshman Tournament Champion in 1964.

Brunz began his coaching career at Ephrata High School as an assistant to Hall of Fame coach Chuck Panerio (NWHOF-2010). He then returned to Burlington-Edison High School, serving two years as an assistant before taking over as head wrestling coach, a position he held for 17 seasons. Under his leadership, Burlington-Edison compiled a 143-55-22 dual-meet record, won four sub-regional titles (1981, 1985, 1986, 1987), a regional championship (1987), and the 1982 State Championship, with a 3rd-place finish in 1986. From 1977 through 1987, the Tigers placed in the top ten at the state tournament each year, producing seven individual state champions, including three-time state champion Tony Breckenridge.

Brunz was central to one of the state’s great wrestling rivalries with Sedro-Woolley High School and Hall of Fame coach Spud Walley (NWHOF-2017). Their dual meets regularly drew 1,500+ spectators, filling gyms across the Skagit Valley as Brunz took his place in his trademark gold jacket opposite Walley’s blue blazer. Beyond coaching, Ed officiated for two years and founded the Burlington youth wrestling program, helping to build a lasting feeder system for the community.

In recognition of his coaching accomplishments, Brunz was named State AA Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1987 and was inducted into the Washington State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2011.

In addition to his contributions to wrestling, Brunz has been deeply involved in civic service. He has been a 38-year member of the Eagles Club and is the last remaining charter member of the Burlington Lions Club, founded in 1977. His commitment to community leadership culminated in his service as Mayor of Burlington from 2008–2012.

Ed and his wife Jean reside in Burlington, where he continues to be a respected figure in both the wrestling and civic community.