Rande StottlemyerPITTSBURGH -- Rande Stottlemyer, whose name is synonymous with the rich history of wrestling at the University of Pittsburgh, passed away today, his family announced. Stottlemyer was 62.
Stottlemyer's association with Pitt wrestling spanned nearly four decades. He was a three-time All-American for the Panthers from 1974-78. 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.
He led the Panthers for 34 seasons and retired in 2013 as the winningest coach in program history with a 304-231-12 record. Stottlemyer produced 56 Eastern Wrestling League (EWL) individual champions, 33 All-Americans and three national champions. He also was selected the EWL Coach of the Year five times.
Stottlemyer truly retired at the top of his game. His 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, 2011, 2012) and three EWL Tournament titles (2011, 2012, 2013). Pitt placed 15th in the nation in each of his final two seasons as head coach.
First-year Pitt head wrestling coach Keith Gavin competed under Stottlemyer from 2004-08. Gavin crowned his collegiate career with a perfect 33-0 record as a senior when he claimed the 174-pound NCAA championship.
"Coach Stottlemyer gave me an opportunity of a lifetime by bringing me to Pitt," Gavin said. "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."
A native of nearby Hermitage, Pa., Stottlemyer was a star wrestler at Hickory High School, where he was a PIAA state runner-up and two-time Junior National Freestyle wrestling champion.
Enrolling at Pitt in 1974, Stottlemyer compiled a career record of 68-16-2 and would ascend to team captain for the Panthers. He earned three All-America citations and won the 1976 EWL 134-pound title.
Stottlemyer's many Hall of Fame recognitions include selection to the EWL Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award.
Visitation will be this Thursday and Friday, from 2 to 8 p.m., at Ferguson Funeral Home in Belle Vernon, Pa. There will be an additional visitation on Saturday, from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. Celebration of Life Service, at The Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, in McMurray, Pa.
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