Wrestling legend Myron Roderick suffers stroke; Friends asked to keep him in their thoughts and pray

<< Back to Articles
Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
10/02/2003


Wrestling legend Myron Roderick, who serves as President of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, suffered a severe stroke on Monday evening, September 29, and is in intensive care at Stillwater Hospital.    He is resting as well as he can at this point. He can speak and recognize people. According to Tony Linville, Executive Director of the Hall of Fame, Roderick's vital signs are good and he may be moved from the ICU unit sometime this week.     Myron's wife Joanne and his family has requested that Myron's many friends around the world keep him in their thoughts and prayers as he faces a very difficult recovery process. At this time, the family asks that no flowers be sent, and that people wait for a while before making calls to the family or the Hall of Fame concerning Myron's status. Additional information will be shared with the wrestling community as appropriate.    Roderick has one of the most distinguished careers in wrestling, with championship performances as an athlete and coach, and key leadership positions within the sport and his community. He is a legend within the wrestling community, and a revered figure in his native Oklahoma.     He was an Olympian, NCAA champion, record-setting college coach and the first Executive Director of USA Wrestling (known then as the U.S. Wrestling Federation). He continues to make a major impact on the sport as the President of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.    USA Wrestling's staff, Board of Directors, athletes, volunteers and members wish to share their love and support with Myron, Joanne, his family and his friends during this challenging time.