Barry Erb, “The Big Bear,” as the boys call him, is a General Foreman for Commonwealth Electric-Lincoln. Barry has been with Commonwealth Electric for 8 years. Currently, Barry is leading a crew at a pharmaceutical facility.
He has been in the National Guard for 20 years and has been deployed to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Bosnia and trained in Korea. Barry has a wife, Cami, and a son, Ryker, age five.
In 2011, before being deployed to Afghanistan, Barry and his wife purchased a house in a small community near Lincoln. After returning from Afghanistan, Barry was approached by the head coach for the wrestling team in Milford.
Barry was approached while he was going through the IBEW electrical apprenticeship in Lincoln. While working a full-time job and going to classes at night, he would help with the Milford wrestling team in his spare time.
In the early years it was very rare for Milford to win a dual. When Barry started coaching, they only had three wrestlers. Now Milford fields a team of sixteen wrestlers. Currently, in the 2019-2020 season, Milford has only lost two duals.
While watching Barry move amongst the players and parents, Barry has the same smile on his face that we are accustomed to seeing when we work with him. Barry relates well to these boys and many of the wrestlers on the opposing teams.
One point that is impressed upon the boys is that when the regular season is over, it is a new day. When they get to districts anyone can be upset, and someone having an average year could be going to state if they make the right move at the right time. It is all about hard work and perseverance. Barry says it is gratifying to see the boys mature and turn the corner. When you look at the multitude of hours Barry puts in with the team, it is surely not about money —it is all about the boys.
Barry says he gives up a lot of time from work and he is appreciative that Commonwealth has worked with him to allow him to pursue his passion.
This year it is likely Milford will have six to seven boys going to State. Great job Barry! We thank you for your service, leadership, and dedication. Commonwealth is proud to have you on our team.
