Remembering Mike Duroe

The wrestling community was saddened by the passing of Mike Duroe. He was highly respected and loved by so many.

Jul 7, 2018 by Mark Bader

The wrestling community was saddened by the passing of Mike Duroe. He was highly respected and loved by so many.

Mike's significant other and soulmate, Lisa Ikola, wrote this:

Our love lived in overdrive, always, and it will forevermore in our next life, whatever that may be or look like. Last night, a bit after we listened to John Denver singing, "Rocky Mountain High", my precious Michael's powerful heart quit & he peacefully passed away in my arms about 1am.

We have collected quotes from many of those who were close with Mike Duroe:

Terry Brands

Coach was a great father, coach and friend. I loved him dearly. His faith in Christ was very strong and he brought those attributes to the wrestling room every single practice.

Kevin Jackson

My heart is broken. Coach Duroe was my man! We worked closely together at usaw for 8 years. Mike was selfless. God takes the special ones way to soon. I loved Mike Duroe.

Rest In Peace Coach ? pic.twitter.com/596hhflqm7
— Brent Metcalf (@BHMetcalf) July 6, 2018

Dan Gable

In my 40 plus years of friendship I’ve shared with Mike Duroe, I’ve never had a bad moment with him. Our family is heartbroken over his passing.

Daniel Dennis

He was a selfless, humble, knowledgeable, caring, and committed man that’s touched the lives of too many to count. He will be dearly missed.
This one hits me really hard and I’m gonna miss the hell out of him.

Thomas Gilman

He said to me soon after the trials “...you look like a World Champion, are you thinking like one?"

Sad news about the passing of coach Mike Duroe. A genuine guy and knowledgeable coach who cared for everyone he was around! And not to mention loved getting a workout in! Will surely miss his positive energy around the USA wrestling program.
— Nick Gwiazdowski (@NGWIZZZ) July 6, 2018

Tony Ramos

Coach Duroe was one of the smartest coaches. He always knew how to lighten the mood and what to say. He was a fierce competitor in life. Cancer did not win the battle Mike Duroe punched it right in the mouth with the way he lived his life. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Thank you Mike Duroe for all that you have done for our sport of wrestling. You will be missed truly. RIP!
— Chris Perry (@chrisperry174) July 7, 2018

Rich Bender

It’s a very tough loss for our sport, few have had such a broad and powerful impact on so many. In all styles of wrestling, from youth development up through the Olympic level Mike Duroe has been a part of every aspect. His leadership will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

@dc_mma and I’s first international tour To Belarus we were fortunate enough to have Mike Duroe in our corner. He was one of the most selfless men I’ve ever met. God brought home a good one. ?? pic.twitter.com/EEJSQyDnfP
— jamill kelly (@jamill_kelly) July 6, 2018

Coach Duroe was in my corner for my first two world titles and I remember hugging him after each win and how he helped me mentally prepare for every match. The time and effort he put into this sport, man wrestling was truly blessed with a man like Mike Duroe. Rest In Peace coach.
— Spencer Lee (@LeeSpencerlee36) July 6, 2018