Bio

Your senior year is special. For Chuck Austin, his last year at Midview was one dreams are made of. And it concluded a tremendous career for the Middies.

Chuck Austin was as tough as they come on the gridiron. A three-year letter winner, he excelled at running back and linebacker his first two seasons at the varsity level. Chuck took his game to new heights as a senior, displaying outstanding skills at a different position, when first-year head coach Phil Sheffield moved him to tight end. But Austin continued to dominate games defensively from his familiar linebacker spot. That senior season, Chuck showed what was to come in game one, as he snagged three touchdown passes in Midview’s win over Fairview. As captain, Austin led by example, leading the team in tackles, and snaring 20 passes, averaging 20 yards per catch. Chuck was team MVP, but that wasn’t all. He was a Plain Dealer Dream Team member, and was all-conference at linebacker, and a unanimous all-conference pick at tight end. He was also first team all county and all-district, and was honorable mention in the prestigious Golden Helmet Award balloting.

Chuck took his act to the hardwood in the winter. Having already earned one letter in basketball, he was named captain, and again led by example, as Midview captured a conference co-championship with Clearview. Described in local papers as “rugged and quick”, Austin averaged over 15 points per game, while leading the team in rebounding. He won another team MVP Award, and was named first-team All Lakeland Conference. In tournament play, Chuck was selected 2nd team all sectional, while averaging 20 points and 18 rebounds per game in the Middies’ two contests.

Chuck’s accomplishments on the gridiron attracted the attention of then Akron assistant coach Jim Dennison, who recruited him for the Zips. Austin shined in Akron, lettering for three years and starting all 11 games his senior season. He was selected to play in the highly regarded East-West Shrine game at Ohio State University in Columbus.

Chuck is a sales manager and lives in Columbia Station, Ohio, with his wife Kathy.