Former Mizzou Tiger and Ohio state champion B.J. Toal passed away after battle with head trauma
Share:
by Mizzou Athletics and Various Sources
Former Mizzou Tiger wrestler and two-time Ohio state champion B.J. Toal passed away on Monday after battling a severe head trauma for nearly two weeks in the intensive-care unit at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo.
Toal just finished his second season as an assistant wrestling coach at Battle High School in Columbia. He won two Ohio high school state titles at Troy Christian in Sidney, Ohio before joining the Mizzou program in 2013.
A Go Fund Me page was created to help cover Toal’s stay in the hospital and alleviate some expenses for his family. Those wishing to contribute can still do so at https://www.gofundme.com/backing-bruce-bj.
STATEMENT FROM MIZZOU WRESTLING:
Mizzou Wrestling and Mizzou Athletics is saddened to hear of the passing of former wrestler B.J. Toal, who passed away yesterday after being involved in an April 1 accident. With his older brother Zach being on the team as well, the Toal family has been a part of the TigerStyle family for a long time and forever will be. Our thoughts and prayers are with B.J.’s family and friends during this time of grief.
STATEMENT FROM HEAD COACH BRIAN SMITH:
“I remember meeting B.J. when he was in 8th grade. I joked with his older brother Zach that he was stronger than him and I knew I would recruit him even though he wasn’t in high school yet. He came in with a great recruiting class, and we had high expectations, but unfortunately injuries kept him from reaching those expectations. The great thing about B.J. was he continued to share his passion for wrestling through coaching and other avenues. He impacted so many other people’s lives, just like he impacted ours. The TigerStyle family is going through a tough time right now, my biggest prayers are with his family helping them get through this.”
Toal just finished his second season as an assistant wrestling coach at Battle High School in Columbia. He won two Ohio high school state titles at Troy Christian in Sidney, Ohio before joining the Mizzou program in 2013.
A Go Fund Me page was created to help cover Toal’s stay in the hospital and alleviate some expenses for his family. Those wishing to contribute can still do so at https://www.gofundme.com/backing-bruce-bj.
STATEMENT FROM MIZZOU WRESTLING:
Mizzou Wrestling and Mizzou Athletics is saddened to hear of the passing of former wrestler B.J. Toal, who passed away yesterday after being involved in an April 1 accident. With his older brother Zach being on the team as well, the Toal family has been a part of the TigerStyle family for a long time and forever will be. Our thoughts and prayers are with B.J.’s family and friends during this time of grief.
STATEMENT FROM HEAD COACH BRIAN SMITH:
“I remember meeting B.J. when he was in 8th grade. I joked with his older brother Zach that he was stronger than him and I knew I would recruit him even though he wasn’t in high school yet. He came in with a great recruiting class, and we had high expectations, but unfortunately injuries kept him from reaching those expectations. The great thing about B.J. was he continued to share his passion for wrestling through coaching and other avenues. He impacted so many other people’s lives, just like he impacted ours. The TigerStyle family is going through a tough time right now, my biggest prayers are with his family helping them get through this.”
Read More#
USA Wrestling’s new Performance Index (PIN) rates each athlete based upon result data against opponents
JOB OPPORTUNITY: USA Wrestling Utah hiring full-time Operations Manager
USA to send talented young team to compete at Klippan Lady Open, Feb. 17-19
3rd annual Greg Strobel “Make A Weight” Challenge starts February 8
