TEMPE – Family, friends, former athletes, and the wrestling community are invited to honor the life and remarkable legacy of Robert “Bobby” Edward Douglas, one of the most influential figures in ASU and American wrestling history.
The Bobby Douglas Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m. MST at the San Tan Ford Club at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.
Bobby Douglas (March 27, 1942 - February 23, 2026) was a trailblazing athlete, coach, and pioneer. A two-time Olympian (1964 and 1968), he was the first black wrestler to represent the United States in the Olympics and later served as captain of the 1968 U.S. Olympic team.
As a coach, he built powerhouse programs at Arizona State University (head coach 1975-1992), where he led the Sun Devils to the 1988 NCAA national championship, the program’s only team title, and compiled an outstanding 229-95-6 dual record. He later coached at Iowa State University and served on multiple U.S. Olympic coaching staff.
Douglas mentored 13 NCAA individual champions, produced 110 All-Americans, and earned more than 400 dual-meet victories across his collegiate career. A member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, he left an indelible mark on the sport through his leadership, dedication, and commitment to developing champions both on and off the mat.
“This celebration offers an opportunity for all whose lives Bobby touched - wrestlers, coaches, family, and friends to come together and remember a man who gave everything to the sport he loved,” said Zeke Jones, Sun Devil Head Wrestling Coach and former wrestler of Bobby Douglas.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: San Tan Ford Club at Mountain America Stadium
Address: 500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85287 (enter via stadium gates; follow signage for the San Tan Ford Club)
Please RSVP by May 22 at https://sundevils.wufoo.com/forms/zjjo9ne0hwuieo/
The event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable attire and share stories, photos, or memories of Coach Douglas. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Martin Sepulveda at martin@sepulvedagroup.com
About Bobby Douglas
A native of Bridgeport, Ohio, Bobby Douglas rose from humble beginnings to become a transformative figure in wrestling. His pioneering achievements as an athlete and his extraordinary success as a coach inspired generations and helped elevate the sport in the United States. Bobby is survived by Jackie and Bobby Jr. “Bobbo.”
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to:
Bobby Douglas Memorial Scholarship, Southwest Wrestling Club Foundation
Mail checks to:
7373 N Scottsdale Rd, Suite C-200
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Or bring to the memorial service. All Contributions are tax-deductible. For more information on the scholarship, please contact Dave Kiley at dakiley2@gmail.com.