PUEBLO — "He was special," CSU-Pueblo wrestling coach and close friend Dax Charles said.
Speaking to those who knew him best, Mike Roumph was larger than life, and his loss leaves a hole that will never be filled.
"It has been a hard week or so, I don't see it getting any easier but Mike would want everyone to be strong and be the best that you could be," Charles said.
A true leader of the Pack, the 53-year old coach was a key member of the athletic department by helping bring football back to campus and playing a pivotal role in the restart of the wrestling program.
"We didn't have anything when we brought back our wrestling program, Mike helped us get a new wrestling room, bought us new mats, raised money for scholarships," Charles said.
What started as a passion project became so much more for Roumph, who alongside Charles, became the Thunderwolves assistant wrestling coach for 12 years.
"He's part of everything, there's nothing I accomplished that he wasn't part of," Charles said.
Roumph's tragic passing during a June 5th rafting trip has left the Pueblo community in shock.
"Everyone loved Mike, Mike was a champion for everyone," CSU-Pueblo football coach and close friend John Wristen said. "I think Mike treated people the way he wanted to be treated. He was humble, he was a hard worker, he went to work and adored being here at CSU-Pueblo."
While there are no answers, these tough days have been about reflection for his closest friends.
"Mike Roumph was unique, one of a kind, gentlemen," Charles said.
From coach to a donor, board member, family member and friend, Mike Roumph touched everyone he came in contact with. In remembering his greatness, he lives on, in everlasting memory.
"Appreciate his heart and what he has given to us, he's a special human being," Wristen said.
"He was my life coach and also helped a lot of guys be successful, not only in the sport of wrestling but in life," Charles said.
