The Observer, November 18, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11
Coaching still a passion for wrestling coach Del Rosa
Here's a sports trivia question: Who holds the record for longest interception return for a touchdown for the University of Cincinnati? It is none other than Case head wrestling coach Bob Del Rosa. That record was achieved during Del Rosa's years as a linebacker and fullback for the Bearcats, with whom he lettered and was a captain his senior year in 1958. UC was a big program then, with their only losses coming at the hands of Oklahoma State and the University of Houston, who played each other year in the Tangerine Bowl (later renamed the Citrus Bowl). Since then Del Rosa has led many student athletes and has remained a trademark through the changes of Case Western Reserve University.
Bob Del Rosa has been with the university for 44 years, beginning his coaching tenure here in 1961 as an assistant football coach. At the time there was no tennis coach, so the multi-faceted man began double duty. His efforts around campus began to spread, and soon Del Rosa was traveling with the wresting team because the elderly head coach had Parkinson's disease. An energetic and upbeat coach, Del Rosa just enjoyed being with the student athletes, and soon enough he was the head coach for football, wrestling, and baseball due to a limited coaching staff. However, his two favorite sports, wrestling and football, endured, as he still continues as the head wrestling Coach, and did not stop on the gridiron until 1992.
What is the reasoning for Del Rosa's longevity and flexibility to coach so many different sports? In just fifteen short minutes of time it became clear that this man coaches to be with the student athletes.
"The athletes who are on your team are there because they want to be," said Del Rosa. "There is no one forcing them, and those that cannot or do not want to play won't."
Del Rosa always earnestly compliments the players that he has worked with over the years – a true testament to their hard work, dedication, and determination. He knows that the rigorous academic structure of Case makes it difficult for some student-athletes, but the rewards are truly worth it. The memories and experiences can never be duplicated, and the satisfaction gained from these accomplishments validate the four hard years of work. This coach wants to be a friend, and he wants to make the best athlete possible.
After over thirty years of double duty, Del Rosa focused on wrestling after ending his football time in 1992. In those thirteen years, the program has seen sixteen All-Americans and great success due to his ability to concentrate on one sport for the entire year. This year he feels that the team will see success and surprise some opponents. While hindered last year by injuries, the squad is strong and energetic; this will lead to a winning record and many strong individual performances.
Through all the changes with the university, including the merger of 1968 (although the athletic teams did not merge until 1970), Del Rosa has seen a great change in facilities. He feels that the athletic opportunities for the current student athletes are as good as any other similar program in the county. Holding one job for 44 years might make most people lose interest and seek retirement. Del Rosa feels the opposite, mostly because coaching is not a job to him: it is a passion.
"As long as I am having fun, I am going to coach as long as possible. Once it becomes a job, then I'll know it's time to stop." However, for right now Del Rosa plans to continue with the friendships he has with his student athletes. Surely his players are glad to have that relationship – it is a special and treasured gift in a coach.
