Long-time Bedford Public Schools teacher and wrestling coach, Edd Bankowski, accredits his successful career path to his physical education teacher and wrestling coach, Bill Regnier. It was Regnier’s role that fostered Bankowski’s passion for wrestling, teaching not only techniques on the sport, but also promoting a competitive spirit.

Bankowski’s journey into teaching and coaching started during his college years during his student teaching assignment at Otsego High School in Ohio. His supervising teachers, also wrestling coaches, introduced him to the wrestling room, shaping his decision to commit to a teaching and coaching path.

Over a span of 40 years, Bankowski taught at several schools and coached multiple wrestling teams in Ohio and Michigan, ultimately leading him to be inducted into the Michigan Wrestling Association Hall of Fame.

In addition to coaching, Bankowski co-founded the Great Lakes Wrestling Club in 1972 and currently serves as the president of the Michigan Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He emphasized the friendships formed during his tenure, especially with the athletes he guided and helped develop. He noted the importance of making each athlete the best they can be, which over time builds a stronger team.

Aside from creating strong teams and athletes, Bankowski also started a wrestling video library, which, according to National Wrestling Hall of Fame, might be one of the best in the country. This initiative complements his role as a teacher of the sport.

Over the years, the impact of Bankowski’s work has extended beyond the confines of the wrestling room. He recalls a significant memory when he joined the Big Brothers program during his first year of teaching and coaching at South Haven. This experience allowed him to develop a lasting connection with a young member named Willy that continued years later. This shows another dimension of his coaching career where he helps mentor youth and make an impact on their life.

In a way that mirrors how Regnier planted a seed of passion for wrestling in him, Bankowski has been doing the same throughout his life, leaving lasting inspirations and positive impacts on the students he’s coached and taught.