“So many lives were impacted by his servant spirit,” said a student who had more than just a coach—he had a mentor and a guide. A coach whose journey spanned decades, as an athlete, a mentor, and a guardian of the sport’s integrity. From high school gyms in Oklahoma to national and international arenas, his influence resonated far beyond the matches he competed in or officiated. Sadly, he passed away, bidding a final farewell to his loved ones, the sport of wrestling, and the countless students he inspired.

The National Governing Body for wrestling in the United States took to their X account to announce the demise of Jerry Kuntz, a renowned name in the world of wrestling. USA Wrestling wrote, “Long-time USA Wrestling referee and coach Jerry Kuntz of Oklahoma, 69, has passed away. Kuntz was named USA Wrestling Official of the Year in 2006 and Developmental Coach of the Year in 1994.” Kuntz was born in 1955 and was a native of Yukon, Oklahoma. His early life was deeply rooted in the state’s wrestling community. His death had the fans saying, “RIP Coach/Referee. You will be missed forever.“

Kuntz competed as a wrestler at the University of Central Oklahoma from 1974 to 1977, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to the sport. After being done with his collegiate wrestling career, the man decided it was time to pass on the knowledge, and so he transitioned into coaching. He led high school wrestling programs at Clinton, Putnam City, and Casady in Oklahoma from 1978 to 2000. His coaching highlights include a commendable 199-78 dual meet record. 

Not just this, he also guided Team Oklahoma to three consecutive national freestyle championships from 1988 to 1990. But then, what could be the next step? He wrestled on the mat. He taught those who were to wrestle on the mat. And then, he returned to the mat to check the ones wrestling on it. When he was coaching at Putnam City High School, the club he worked with was required by the state to sign up a referee. Kuntz, who has been a football official, decided to give wrestling officiating a try.

He served as an NCAA official from 1991 to 2014 and was certified as a FILA official from 1997 to 2014. Throughout his officiating career, he officiated 98 national tournaments, including 22 U.S. Opens, 23 Cadet/Junior Nationals, and multiple Olympic Trials. His outstanding contributions earned him the title of USA Wrestling’s Official of the Year in 2006. In 2006, he was ranked as a FILA-1 on the international level since 2001 and a USA-1 on the national level since 1996. The demise of such a soul has left the fans shocked and mourning. 

Wrestling world remembers Jerry Kuntz

“A referee who is liked and respected by everyone is a rare breed,’- Lee Roy Smith, executive director of the wrestling hall of fame, commented. This comment perfectly sums up the kind of referee Kuntz was. And yes, Lee said for Kuntz himself. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014, receiving the Lifetime Achievement for Officials award. 

Another fan mourning the loss wrote, “RIP. You impacted countless lives throughout your career. Your passing away has left a hole in the wrestling community that will take a lot of time to heal.” His commitment to developing young officials and athletes was further acknowledged with the Phil Portuese Award in 2010 and the Mort Geller Award in 2012. Other than that, one of them took his time to pay his respect to his former coach.

He wrote, “He was my high school wrestling coach in Oklahoma! Putnam City Original! Pirate for life! I still have my warm up top. I learned so much from him! He let me compete as a freshman even though I couldn’t beat the senior at my weight class. I wrestled at tournaments as an open. I earned my varsity letter as a freshman because he believed in me.” Speaks volumes about what a man Kuntz was. As for us, we have the same emotion as this fan who said, “Praying for Jerry and the entire Kuntz Family.” Rest in Peace, Jerry Kuntz. The Wrestling World will miss you.