Former Iowa State wrestling coach and Hall of Famer Bobby Douglas dies at 83
Bobby Douglas, a pioneering figure in collegiate wrestling and former Iowa State head coach, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 83. His impact on the sport is immeasurable, leaving a legacy of success both as an athlete and a coach.
A Groundbreaking Athlete
Before his coaching career, Douglas broke barriers as the first Black U.S. Wrestler to compete in the Olympics, representing the United States in both the 1964 Tokyo Games and the 1968 Mexico City Games. He achieved a fourth-place finish in the featherweight division in 1964 and served as captain of the U.S. Olympic team in 1968.
Coaching Success at Arizona State and Iowa State
Douglas began his coaching journey in 1973 at Cal-Santa Barbara before achieving significant success during his 19-year tenure as head coach at Arizona State (1975-1992). He led the Sun Devils to a national title in 1988, a landmark achievement that broke the dominance of Iowa State and Iowa in the sport.
In 1993, Douglas took the helm of the Iowa State wrestling program, a position he held until 2006. During his 13 years with the Cyclones, the program flourished, producing 52 All-America performances and 10 individual NCAA titles. His teams achieved three runner-up finishes at the NCAA Championship (1996, 2000, 2002) and amassed 198 dual victories.
A Legacy of Excellence
Douglas was inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023, recognizing his profound contributions to the university’s athletic program. He coached notable athletes, including four-time NCAA champion Cael Sanderson.
His 1995-1996 Iowa State squad, despite qualifying only five wrestlers for the NCAA Championship, remarkably achieved a second-place finish with all five athletes earning All-America honors and three reaching the finals.
Key Achievements at Iowa State:
- 52 All-America performances
- 10 individual NCAA titles
- Three NCAA Championship runner-up finishes
- 198 dual victories
FAQ
How long was Bobby Douglas the head coach at Iowa State?
Bobby Douglas was the head coach at Iowa State from 1993 to 2006.
What were some of Bobby Douglas’s accomplishments as a wrestler?
He was the first Black U.S. Wrestler to compete in the Olympics, competing in the 1964 and 1968 games, and captained the 1968 U.S. Olympic team.
Did Bobby Douglas win a national championship as a coach?
Yes, he led Arizona State to a national championship in 1988.
Bobby Douglas’s passing marks the end of an era for collegiate wrestling. His dedication, leadership, and groundbreaking achievements will continue to inspire generations of athletes and coaches.
