Olympic Hero Doug Blubaugh

• Head_Knight

  1960 Olympic Champ and Most Outstanding Wrestler of the WORLD Doug Blubaugh dies at the age of 76... Doug was a major influence on the sport of wrestling. He had a huge influence on many of Ohio's greatest wrestlers.. From Joe Calhoun to the Ratliff's.. And the list goes on and on... I never had the chance to attend one of his camps, but I hear they were some of the best... The techniques or the bottle rocket wars, it was a good time had by all. He had a certain way of working with people. It didn't matter if you were an Olympic hopeful or a first year wrestler, he went out of his way to take the time to help... He was always good for funny stories that no one could make up. I am not only a better wrestler/now coach, but I am a better person now that I had a chance to know Doug Blubaugh... You will be sorely missed...
  
  Scott Carr
  Northmor Wrestling
• Coach_Simpson

  

  My friend Scotty Carr has nailed it. Doug was a wonderful man and a great wrestling coach. I got an opportunity to learn from him on several occasions. A nicer man you will never meet, and extremely humble, which is rare for a man of his many accolades. He will be greatly missed by the wrestling community.
  
  -Randy
• dshort

  I was fortunate to be able to spend much time with Doug as he helped coach Pleasant wrestlers of all ages and skill levels for several years-he made all of them better. He would stay on the mats as long as there was one more kid there that wanted to learn. I loved watching Coach go up to a kid he didn't know at a tournament and offer advice based on watching his match-the smart ones listened and learned. He was humble about his accomplishments only showing others his Gold Medal when you forced him to get it out. He once asked me to keep it at my home for a week while he traveled somewhere. At first I thought it was pretty cool but then spent the next six days worried sick about something happening to this piece of history that could never be replaced. He was a huge influence on me as a coach and taught me so much about wrestling and more. I will always treasure my Epic Struggle poster signed by Coach, his notes and pictures-especially one with my kids holding his gold medal and memories of our time together. I will also always wish for one more Blubaugh practice session, story or conversation. The world has lost a great person and I feel sorry for those who didn't have the chance to meet him. Rest in Peace Friend!
• Fab1b

  

  What a wonderful man. I had the opportunity to be in Doug's presence and talk to him many of times. He visited Oak Harbor many times and for an old man he was still tough as nails!! RIP good man!
• fan1963

  My memory of coach, late 70's early 80's. Good food, fun camp. Taught me how to front headlock, won sectionals on it that year. I was scared coming in as a young kid. My Dad said some old farmer would be out there in the sticks looking for help on his farm. When I came in I was scared to death. All I saw was this old guy in overalls, probably 45 haha, not too old now. Sitting at a small table taking names. Welcomed me, made me safe. Coached all of us, young kids and international guys at the same camp. It was my best experience in this thing we do.
• Go4alOngbOmB

  

  He was a living legend, I remember being a 13 year old boy looking at his Olympic Gold Medal and just marveling at it. Going to his camps were always good times, and hard work. Sad to hear of his passing. He did great things for the State of Ohio and his country in this sport we love so much. He WILL be missed.