EIWA coaches remember Greg Strobel

Greg Strobel photo courtesy of EIWA website.

John Clark, Sacred Heart University

"It was amazing to get the opportunity to coach at Lehigh University and I thank coach Greg Strobel for that. I learned a lot from him, he made me realize there is so much to learn about coaching, and I was down for the challenge. I tell him a lot that I thought I knew a lot about coaching and wrestling, until I met him and realized that there is so much more to learn. I would listen to his every last word and he took me under his wing in a sense. He told me to put terminology to all of the moves that I was showing and so now when I show technique, all the moves have names."

Dennis Papadatos, Hofstra University

“The word I think of the most when I think of Coach Strobel is Composure. I have had many experiences with him over the years, from being a Hofstra athlete on the other side of the mat competing against his athletes, I won some, I lost some, he always treated me the same. I remember him being at the OTC when I was young there training and he coached me, and I looked up to him. I coached against Greg when I started as a young coach, then he retired and I eventually became the Head Coach at Hofstra and he was the commissioner of the EIWA. In all those experiences, I can’t think of one when he didn’t treat me with respect, and usually had a big smile on his face, more so after he retired. He loved Lehigh and he loved the EIWA, but he was loving to everyone else too. He is a legend, plain and simple. A legend athlete, a legend coach, a legend mentor. Oregon State lost a great alumni, Lehigh lost a cherished coach, the EIWA lost a leader, the wrestling community lost a legend, but most importantly the world lost a great man. May he rest in peace and his family find solace in all he did for everyone else.”

Roger Reina, University of Pennsylvania

“From the Foxcatcher days & all the friends made there, to college coaching, and officiating, Greg was an advocating force for our great sport and had a major impact on so many levels. He will be sorely missed, and his legacy will carry on in so many lives he touched.”

Teague Moore, American University

"It is with a heavy heart that I have to hear of Greg’s passing. Greg exemplified what it meant to be a Coach, mentor, friend, and leader in the sport of wrestling. His presence will be missed throughout the EIWA and the wrestling community. Greg was a Champion on the mat both as a competitor and as a coach. Rest In Peace Greg."

Joe Patrovich, Long Island University

"As the new member of the EIWA I only dealt with Coach Strobel for the last year or two. I obviously followed his amazing career as a wrestler and coach but only got to know him personally as a administrator when we were trying to become a member of the EIWA Conference. When we started the process I knew that there was a lot going on in his life. Most people would have denied our application for many reasons... he didn't. He helped us. We owe him a debt of gratitude. He did it for the good of the conference and the sport. He will be missed by all..."

Kevin Ward, U. S. Military Academy at West Point

“Greg’s influence on the sport of wrestling goes far beyond Lehigh and the EIWA. His impact is felt across the country in the lives of the athletes he coached, the coaches he mentored, and the countless people he impacted through his professional career in the sport of wrestling. His presence will be missed, but we are grateful his impact and influence will live on."

Zach Tanelli, Columbia University

"The loss of Coach Strobel is a devastating blow to the entire USA Wrestling family. His lifetime contributions have impacted every single coach and student-athlete he came in contact with. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Strobel family."

Todd Beckerman, Brown University

"I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Greg Strobel’s passing. He was an incredible person, ambassador to the sport of wrestling, coach to many, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it. The entire Brown wrestling community mourns as thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

Kyle Borshoff, Binghamton University

"Greg was my mentor at the NWCA leadership academy. I went into the weekend not really knowing him at all. Over the course of a few days I learned a lot about wrestling and life. Greg was a fantastic and engaging story teller that helped change my outlook on coaching as well as things outside of wrestling. I am so fortunate that I was able to have him as a mentor, not just that weekend but over the past 3 years as a new head coach."

Mike Rogers, Franklin & Marshall College

"My interaction with Greg was always positive! When I think back on my conventions with Strobel, he was always positive and willing to give me advice on coaching, life, and keeping balance in what we do as coaches. He was truly an ambassador to wrestling. My heart goes out to his family."

Chris Ayres, Princeton University

"Greg Strobel was my coach through college and became an incredible mentor as I entered the coaching ranks. What I learned from him allowed me to do more in the sport of wrestling than I could have ever imagined, but more importantly he positively shaped who I am today as a person. His ultimate gift was how he used wrestling as a vehicle to teach valuable life lessons, and I feel incredibly blessed to have had the time I did with him. He will live on through the sport as I will carry his lessons to all those who I coach. His impact on both Lehigh and the EIWA was incredible and his spirit and leadership will be greatly missed."

Matt Azevedo, Drexel University

“I was deeply saddened by the news of Greg’s passing. I extend my sincere condolences to Greg’s family and Lehigh wrestling. It has been a pleasure to get to know and work with Greg over the last several years. I will always remember Greg’s positive attitude and his passion for making the EIWA one of the premier wrestling conferences in the country. Greg will be greatly missed by the wrestling community, especially the EIWA community.”

Rob Koll, Cornell University

"I am fortunate to have known Greg as a mentor, coach and friend. My fondest memories of Greg were the days when he coached me at Foxcatcher. To get away from the insanity of the “Farm” he would take me fly fishing at any number of ponds or streams around the area. In addition he and Donna took me into their home whenever I came to train. When we weren’t fishing he would be regaling in any number of wrestling stories from his past. As a coach his teams were always prepared for battle, but most importantly regardless of the outcome of any match, he was always a positive and loyal friend."

Dan Wirnsberger, Bucknell University

"I am grateful to have spent time with Coach Strobel inside the wrestling arena and outside. He was a fantastic and accomplished wrestler, coach, and administrator. What stands out to me more than any of his wonderful accomplishments in the sport of wrestling was his unwavering faith in God through Jesus and his involvement with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a man that understood the importance of love and encouragement. Coach Strobel's legacy will live on through the many lives he impacted in and through the sport of wrestling."

Cary Kolat, U. S. Naval Academy

“I don’t know what more I can say about Greg Strobel that hasn’t already been said. Coach Strobel impacted so many young men in such a positive way. They will carry what they learned from a great coach the rest of their lives.”

Jay Weiss, Harvard University

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Greg Strobel. He has meant so much to the wrestling world, USA Wrestling, Lehigh University, and the EIWA. Greg was always in a happy mood, which in turn would make you in one as well. I remember when I first got the head job at Harvard, Greg got the Lehigh job soon after me. I went up to him at the EIWA Championships and asked him if I could pick his brain as to how he prepared his team for the EIWA's. In typical response he said, "Of course, as long as I can ask you how you prepared your team." He was never bigger than anyone and always there for a helping hand or advice. He will be missed by the many he impacted throughout his life. Thank you, Greg, for making me a better coach and for making this world a better place. From all of us at Harvard Wrestling."

Pat Santoro, Lehigh University

"Greg was a great mentor and friend who saw the positive of every situation and person. He was one of the most energetic people I've ever been around, and loved life. Greg was a natural teacher and taught on so many subjects and levels. His wrestlers truly loved and admired him."