Former Pitt wrestling coach Stottlemyer dies at age 62
Rande Stottlemyer, who coached the University of Pittsburgh’s wrestling team for 34 years, died Sunday.
He was 62. No cause of death was released.
Stottlemyer, who lived in Charleroi, retired from Pitt in 2013 as the winningest coach in program history with a 304-231-12 record.
“Coach Stottlemyer gave me an opportunity of a lifetime by bringing me to Pitt,” said Pitt’s first-year head wrestling coach Keith Gavin in a release. “He never gave up on me when a lot of other coaches probably would have and for that I am forever grateful. His impact goes beyond teaching wrestling. I find myself still using his sayings not only with our student-athletes but with my own kids as well. He was known for his integrity and how he treated people. He was truly one of the best people I ever knew.”
Tyler Nauman, four time EWL champion and two time All American, told Pittsburgh Sports Now that Stottlemyer was a great teacher.
“Coach Stottlemyer was more than just our coach. He was a family man, a mentor, a competitor, an inspiration, and most importantly a friend to all of us a Pitt,” Nauman told the website. “Many even looked at Coach as another father figure and would go to him for advice, on and off the mat. Coach wore his heart on his sleeve and always put his family (biological and team) first. He would go above and beyond to help anyone.”
In a Twitter post, the Pittsburgh Wrestling Club said the wrestling world lost a legendary figure. “Coach Stottlemyer will always be remembered for his contribution and passion in our great sport. He will forever be in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest In Peace Coach.”
Many other tributes to Stottlemyer were posted.
Stottlemyer produced 56 Eastern Wrestling League individual champions, 33 All-Americans and three national champions. He also was selected the EWL Coach of the Year five times.
Stottlemyer was a three-time All-American for the Panthers from 1974-78. He compiled a career record of 68-16-2 and was a team captain for the Panthers. He earned three All-America citations and won the 1976 EWL 134-pound title. Following his 1978 graduation from the university, Stottlemyer served Pitt as an assistant coach for one year before taking over as head coach in 1979.
Stottlemyer’s final four years as Pitt’s head coach ranked among the program’s finest. During that span, the Panthers won three EWL regular-season championships (2010-12) and three EWL Tournament titles (2011-13). Pitt placed 15th in the nation in each of his final two seasons as head coach.
A native of Hermitage, Stottlemyer was an outstanding wrestler at Hickory High School, where he was a PIAA state runner-up and two-time Junior National Freestyle wrestling champion.
Visitation will be Thursday and Friday, 2-8 p.m., at Ferguson Funeral Home in Belle Vernon. There will be an additional visitation Saturday, 9-11 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. Celebration of Life Service, at The Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, in McMurray.