Growing up, sports had always been a part of Griff Powell’s ‘26 life. His dad, Griff Powell Sr., wrestled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and his mom, Kari Karubas, competed as a gymnast at the same school. 

When Powell began focusing on wrestling, he discovered a natural talent for the sport. This talent, coupled with determination, has led to a successful high school career, and now, a commitment to UIUC for wrestling. As Powell Sr. also happens to be LT’s varsity boys wrestling coach, he has had a unique perspective on this journey.

“[Powell’s] been in youth wrestling since the age of 6, but he really didn’t take wrestling very seriously until about seventh grade,” Powell Sr. said. “He had success, but wrestling was not something that was just full go. Then, around eighth grade, something clicked where he realized, ‘I’m pretty good at this, and it’s going to require a lot of effort and a lot of time.’ And he kind of took it over, and he started wrestling year-round.”

Powell wrestles both through LT and Izzy Style Wrestling, a training academy in Addison. Within his high school wrestling, Powell has found success and is currently aspiring to win IHSA’s State Championship in his weight class, as he placed sixth last year. Outside of school, Powell wrestles in different tournaments across the country to grow himself as an athlete.

“The competitions are local, but also we’ve been all over the country, “ Powell Sr. said. “We’ve been to Vegas, we’ve been to Georgia. We’ve gone to Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, all over the place. And so that’s basically what he’s done since his freshman year. Obviously, in the last two years, it’s amped up quite a bit because he’s gotten to another level. He’s trying to go out and seek the best competition.”

This need to compete does not interfere with his bond with his LT teammates, Jimmy Hillman ‘26 said. Hillman has known Powell since fourth grade, when they met playing on the same football team, Hillman said. They have continued competing alongside each other and attended wrestling camp at UIUC. As a member of the LT wrestling team, Hillman sees Powell as a leader.

“Griff is a good wrestler because he works hard all the time and is always an example coach can use to show people what they should be doing,” Hillman said. 

Although wrestling is a very independent sport, team atmosphere is still crucial to Powell. The other members on the LT’s team act as a support system for Powell and encourage him to take ownership of his performance.

“You’re always with the team, but when I’m wrestling, I go out there to beat my guy,” Powell said. “My teammates can help motivate me, but I have to make the decisions if I want to win or not. They’re great. They’re always backing me up when I’m in a bad mood. They help me know that I’m not alone. In the same way, I try to, when I see someone who’s kind of having a rough season, let them know they can build back.”

Heading into Powell’s next chapter of wrestling at the collegiate level, it is his high school experience that will guide him as both a wrestler and a person. Powell Sr. is confident in his son’s future. This combination of self-motivation and support from his family and team creates the spirit in which he is bringing into his future as a wrestler. 

“I just wanna be the best,” Powell said. “I want to be the best at what I do, or I feel like there’s no point in doing it.”