The death of Ohio State football player Kosta Karageorge has now made national news, however, there has been little discussion of his past accomplishments as a wrestler for the Ohio school.
The fact of the matter is that Karageorge was an extremely accomplished wrestler, beloved by his Ohio State teammates and many other wrestlers he crossed paths with. He was good too. In high school he earned the title of All-American by placing at the Junior National Championships in Fargo, and wrestled three years for the Buckeyes, one of college wrestling’s elite programs, occasionally starting at heavyweight and earning a varsity letter. Last year, his final year on the wrestling team, he collected an impressive 35 wins.
The wrestling community in the United States, if nothing else, is loyal to its own. Today and yesterday, wrestlers and wrestling programs from coast to coast took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the tragic passing of Karageorge.
Reigning NCAA heavyweight champion Nick Gwiazdowski of NC State-
Prayers going out to the karageorge family and his teammates.really good guy and strong as hell. I’ll miss you guy, #rip
— Nick Gwiazdowski (@NGWIZZZ) November 30, 2014
The National Wrestling Coaches Association-
Very sorry to hear of the loss of @wrestlingbucks Kosta Karageorge. Please keep his family in your thoughts. http://t.co/O1CDpZ0dCq
— NWCA (@nwcawrestling) December 1, 2014
Ohio State national runner-up and three-time All American Nick Heflin-
One of the greatest men I have ever known. Your brothers will never forget you. #kostadinoskarageorge pic.twitter.com/HwcWfOtCKt
— Nick Heflin (@TheDarkhorse197) December 1, 2014
The University of Michigan’s wrestling team, bitter rivals of Ohio State-
Our condolences to Kosta Karageorge’s family & Ohio St community. Devastating news. So sorry for your loss @wrestlingbucks @OhioStAthletics
— Michigan Wrestling (@umichwrestling) December 1, 2014
USA Wrestling- the sanctioning body of American Olympic Wrestling
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Karageorge family and @wrestlingbucks during this tragedy
— USA Wrestling (@USAWrestling) November 30, 2014
OSU wrestler Bo Jordan
He changed my life and looked out for me like an older brother. I’m blessed to have been his friend. Love you Kosta pic.twitter.com/CP2Zpdaicp
— Bo Jordan (@Bobo_Jordan) December 1, 2014
Ohio State’s wrestling program with a statement from head coach Tom Ryan
Statement from Coach Ryan and the wrestling bucks. We are thankful for all the prayers and heartfelt words! pic.twitter.com/FZK9dwNTr9
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) December 1, 2014
As well as just about every major wrestling program in the United States.
In addition, Flowrestling.org was kind enough to post once of Karageorge’s best high school matches, a win in the finals of the Alliance Top Gun, a major high school wrestling tournament.
On behalf of Bloody Elbow, I would also like to extend my deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.
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