Former Lehigh wrestling coach dies at 68
Greg Strobel won two NCAA titles as a wrestler at Oregon State before beginning a coaching career that would land him in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. SPORTS
The Lehigh Valley, national and international wrestling communities were stunned Thursday evening by the news that former Lehigh University wrestling coach Greg Strobel had died. Hewas68.
Coaches, former wrestlers and others recalled Strobel’s impact on the sport and their lives and his overall zest for life.
“I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around Greg’s passing,” said Lehigh wrestling coach Pat Santoro, who succeeded Strobel in 2008, in a statement. “He was a man so full of life and has been a part of mine for many years. Hewas a great mentor, coach, and friend.
“Greg lived an amazing life and accomplished so much. He made such a positive impact on the sport of wrestling and an even greater impact on his wrestlers.”
An Oregon native, Strobel won two NCAA titles as a wrestler at Oregon State before beginning a coaching career that would land him in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Strobel’s Lehigh teams went 189-83-1 in dual meets from 1995 through 2008. The Mountain Hawks won six EIWA championships in that span, including five in a row from 2002 through 2006.
Strobel also coached a pair of NCAA champions — Rob Rohn in 2002 and Troy Letters in 2004, when Lehigh finished third at the NCAA tournament and Strobel was named the National Wrestling Coaches Association National Coach of the Year.
Lehigh director of athletics Joe Ster
rett remembered Strobel for his optimism and energy.
“The news of Greg’s passing is shocking and difficult to process, mostly because Greg was so full of life and optimism and energy, perhaps more so than anyone I have ever known,” Sterrett said. “His resilience and strength through a successful battle with cancer a few years ago, and then the loss of his wife Donna less than a year ago were profound examples to everyone whoknewhim of the power of faith and a positive attitude.
“He had attacked his retirement from full-time work with the same characteristics and he was truly excited about spending his time in the ways he would most enjoy — with grandchildren, around the sport of wrestling that he loved and in a boat, fishing.
“All of us at Lehigh extend our thoughts, prayers, love and appreciation to his daughters and their families for sharing with us their father and grandfather. His legacy as an extraordinarily distinguished coach, educator and mentor is secure in the hearts of so many associated with Lehigh, many of whom are today sadly mourning the unexpected passing of a friend.”
Well-respected and accomplished in international circles as well, Strobel was head coach of the 2000 U.S. Olympic freestyle team and was involved with the Olympic team in various capacities from 1992 through 2004.
“Greg Strobel was one of my closest friends and greatest mentors,” Easton Area High School wrestling coach Jody Karam wrote on Twitter Thursday night. “Coaching alongside him was one of my biggest honors. I will miss not having him next to meon the bench. Amazing human.”
Strobel had assisted Karam for a few seasons whenhecoached Liberty High School team and was set to do the same with Karam at Easton this coming season.
Kerry McCoy, a two-time NCAA champ from Penn State who served on Strobel’s staff before moving on to jobs at Stanford, Maryland and the California Olympic Regional Training Center, was similarly heartbroken.
“Ican’tbelieveyou’regone...”McCoy tweeted.“Youmeansomuchtosomany. My mentor, friend, coach, teacher, buddy, role model ... Greg, to say you will be missed is possibly the biggest understatement of my life. Thank you forbeingyou&helpingmebecomethe manIamtoday.Restinpeace.”
After stepping down as Lehigh’s coach in 2008, Strobel remained with Lehigh as an assistant athletic director and stayed involved with Team USA for the rest of his days, most recently serving as its second vice president.
Services are pending.
Lehigh will host a memorial event to honor Strobel’s life. Details will be announced when plans are finalized.