May 11—NORWALK — It's been a busy time for Erich Metzger.

On May 6, he held a grand opening for his new business, Norwalk Wellness Center. Then on Tuesday, he was officially hired for his second season as head wrestling coach at Norwalk High School.

Metzger replaced Todd Fox prior to this past wrestling season.

The Norwalk Wellness Center is located at 461 Milan Ave Suite 8 in Norwalk, the former home Northern Ohio Cryotherapy. Co-founders and managing members Justin Fulton and June Fulton cut the ribbon back in March 2021 to officially open that business.

The Fulton's sold their operations to pursue other business ventures.

"Cryotherapy is something I do. I enjoy it," Metzger said. "I think Justin told me I was customer No. 6 when he opened up. When I saw the post on Facebook they were selling the business I reached out to Justin.

"Me and my wife (Brandi) discussed it. We are busy," he added. "She is the director of the clothing bank. I have four other businesses. I coach wrestling. It made a lot of sense. It fits our lifestyle."

Brandi Metzger is going to school to be a dietitian.

"Our goal is when she graduates in two years with her masters she is going to put her dietetics office here," Erich said. "It fits our lifestyle. It fits our long-term goals. It made a lot of sense."

The Metzgers have three children: Aldynn, a sophomore at Norwalk High School; Skylee, a seventh-grader at Norwalk Catholic School; and Brennan, a fifth-grader at Norwalk Catholic School.

Erich talked about his new business.

"There are a lot of things we can do. From cosmetics, botox to recovery — a lot of recovery things, including red-light therapy," he said. "A lot of the products that are here are on every corner in a big city.

"We are the closest cryotherapy chamber within 45 miles. It is huge not only for the city of Norwalk but the surrounding area."

Metzger said in the future he is hoping to possibly add yoga, a chiropractor and a physical therapist.

"A lot of big-city things and big-city services," he said.