Mullins, Brad

Brad Mullins – (2002)

 

The name of Brad Mullins may not be listed in the dictionary under perseverance, dedication and sacrifice but Webster may want to add it. A 1979 graduate of Lorain High School Mullins was a two-sport star for the Steelmen in wrestling and football. He compiled a three-year record of 56-8 as a grappler for the Steelmen, co-captaining his senior season in which he led the team with 13 pins and was a District Qualifier. It was here that he wrestled under the watchful eye of mat coach, Terry King, who would have a resounding influence on his future.

Although he was force on the mats it was his defensive work on the gridiron that he attained his notoriety. Under the advice of Coach King, Mullins went out for football his junior year for Lorain High. Although he only played in one game that year his time had come. The next season he accomplished more in his senior year alone than most people could for a career. It may have helped playing for Coaches Doug Thompson and Bill Provident who are also being inducted into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame this evening.

His size and quickness terrorized opposing quarterbacks and few offensive linemen could match his strength. He led the Steelmen with 88 solo tackles, 12 quarterback sacks, and led the team in assisted tackles with 114. These performances helped him attain Lorain High Player of the Week 6 out of the 10 weeks his senior season. He was also named Buckeye Conference player of the week twice. His on field efforts also led him to being named 1st team All State by the Associated Press, 1st team All District and All Lorain County. He was also recognized as a monster on the gridiron by receiving the Lorain County Vince Lombardi Award Winner for defense and named Lorain County Defensive Player of the Year. This recognition led him to be named as a defensive starter for the North team in the North/South All-Star game where he led the North squad with 8 tackles and two quarterback sacks.

After turning down a full scholarship from Purdue University, Brad met with friend Wade LaForce, also a Lorain Hall of Famer, and suggested he attend Wittenberg University. Mullins decided to continue his career there under College Football Hall of Fame coach Dave Maurer. He earned 4 letters for the Tigers and was a 3-year starter at defensive tackle earning Honorable Mention Honors for the Ohio Conference and played for the National Championship in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in 1979. He led the team in quarterback sacks and fumble recoveries in 1980-1981. He was defensive captain in the 1982 season and was awarded the “Golden Helmet Award” as the team’s hardest hitting tackler.

Brad graduated from Wittenberg with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Communication and is a General Manager with K & T Switching. He now resides in Avon with his wife, Nancy and their three children Mary (12), Jacob (7), and Christopher (1 1/2).