Rep. Rulli Honors Wrestling Legend Bobby Douglas in Congressional Record

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Mike Rulli (OH-06) entered into the Congressional Record a tribute honoring the life and legacy of Robert "Bobby" Douglas of Bellaire, Ohio, an esteemed wrestler and coach who exemplified the very best in Eastern Ohio.

Born in Bellaire, Ohio, Bobby attended Bridgeport High School, where he rose through the wrestling ranks, winning the Ohio 112-pound state title as a sophomore. From winning back-to-back state titles at Bridgeport High School to captaining the United States Olympic freestyle team at the 1968 Games, Bobby carried the values of hard work, toughness, and pride in every competition he entered. He finished his competitive career with a stunning record of 303-17, earned silver and bronze medals at the World Championships, and placed fourth at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"Bobby Douglas represented the very best our region has to offer," said Congressman Rulli. "He grew up in Bellaire, competed at the highest levels in the world, and then spent the rest of his life giving back to the sport and the next generation of young athletes. That kind of legacy deserves to be recognized, and I am proud to have entered it into the Congressional Record for all time."

Bobby's impact did not end when he stepped off the mat. As a coach at UC Santa Barbara, Arizona State University, and Iowa State University, he won more than 400 collegiate dual meets, claimed a 1988 NCAA team national title at Arizona State, and guided Cael Sanderson to a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. His coaching resume includes 13 NCAA individual champions, 110 All-America performances, and 68 conference titles. He was inducted into the NAIA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1985 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1987.

Congressman Rulli called on his colleagues in the House to join him in honoring Bobby's memory and recognizing the contributions he made to Ohio, to American athletics, and to every young wrestler who had the privilege of learning from him.

See the entry in the Congressional Record here.

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