Remember how shocked the world was when David Taylor returned to the mat after his surprise retirement from the sport? The Nittany Lion stepped away from the limelight after falling short in the finals of the U.S. Olympic Trials. However, he then took on the role of Oklahoma State’s wrestling head coach, doing what he loved. Another former wrestler had already gone down this path before. It would have to be none other than Shane Roller.

The 45-year-old first started as a Cowboy during his redshirt season in 1999, posting a 14-4 record. In fact, he won both the Central Missouri and Missouri Valley Opens’ at 165. In 2002, he returned to the lineup as an All-American and placed fourth at the NCAA Championships. After a brief stint in the UFC, the wrestler eventually returned to the ring as the Bixby High School assistant coach. Unfortunately, his surprising update collectively broke several hearts. What was it?

Shane Roller shares heartbreaking news regarding Hall of Famer father

Athleticism had always been ingrained in the 45-year-old’s bones. His relationship with wrestling began due to his father, Jack Roller Jr. But on November 19, his world crumbled right in front of his eyes. The wrestler took to X to share some gut-wrenching news with his fans. “My dad passed away this morning. Glad he is not hurting anymore & he now can enjoy watching his family from Heaven!” he stated. 

The wrestler’s father was an integral part of the sport for nearly two decades. He had been directing national youth wrestling tournaments for around 20 years. But that wasn’t it. Jack had coached several upcoming wrestlers at his local club and was the president of the Oklahoma Kids Wrestling Association for many years. He used to be the tournament director of the Tulsa Nationals, Reno World of Wrestling Championships, and the AAU Folkstyle Nationals.

In fact, Jack played a pivotal role in introducing Shane Roller to wrestling. While the 45-year-old didn’t specify the cause of his passing, he did reiterate how essential his father’s role was. “He is going to be greatly missed, but always remembered. He touched so many lives, especially in the sport of wrestling! So lucky to call him dad!” he exclaimed. A day after sharing the heartbreaking news with the world, the wrestler shared another update with fans. 

Sharing an image of a clear, blue sky, he opined how symbolic the last few days were. Roller then described how dreary the morning was when he had to take his father off light support. Quite a contrast compared to the day after his passing: “He used to tell me when something bad happened, ‘Keep working, the sun will rise in the morning!” Maybe Jack was on to something. However, this tugged at the hearts of the fans. What did they have to say? 

The wrestling community joins the 45-year-old to mourn

Shortly after Shane Roller shared the news, fans rallied around, sharing their condolences on X. On fan stated, “RIP to a legend around here. Had an impact on so many people. Hall of Famer.” Jack Roller spent several years helping upcoming wrestlers learn the ways of the sport. Another fan reiterated, “Praying for all who were fortunate enough to know and to love him! 🙏🏽❤️💪🏽.” It’s evident that several fans looked up to the wrestler’s father.

Due to his involvement with youth wrestling, Jack Roller was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame with the Lifetime Service Award in 1995. However, he was also the AAU Association Person of the Year in 1995. A year later, in 1996, he received the prestigious honor again. Wrestling wasn’t just a sport for the Hall of Famer. It was his life.

1988 Olympic Gold Medalist Kenny Monday stated, “Condolencens from my family to yours! I’ve known Jack for many years and he has meant a lot to me and the sport of wrestling! The wrestling world will miss him! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roller family!🙏🏾” Jack Roller definitely left an indelible mark in the Oklahoma Wrestling Circuit. Another fan agreed, ” Sorry for your loss Shane and Roller Family! 😢🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼” Shane Roller’s father was very involved in every program he took. 

Given how Jack directed several tournaments, he ensured he directly handled all the layouts for each of the programs. In fact, numerous of his publications were even awarded several times as Outstanding Wrestling Publication by Wrestling USA Magazine over the years. That’s just the impact Roller had on the sport.

One fan reached out, “Jack had a huge impact on the sport of wrestling in Oklahoma and all around the country. The Rollers are truly one of the best families I’ve got to know while covering wrestling here the last few years. 🙏” Shane Roller’s father knew that many shared the same passion for the sport, just like he did. So, he left no stone unturned to make things happen. Another fan agreed, ” I am sorry to hear this news Shane 😔 Your dad was a very good man, who did touch so many lives….including mine. God Bless Jack Roller and the Roller Family!🙏🏽” The community was truly heartbroken by the loss of such a gem. 

The Tulsa Nationals, Cliff Keen Kickoff Classic, and Reno World of Wrestling Champions are not sanctioned by AAU or USA Wrestling. However, this didn’t stop Shane Roller’s father from putting the money he generated back from these back into awards wrestlers received. He always took pride in applying the rules to everyone and would always ensure he was fair. It’s safe to say Jack Roller will always hold a special place in the wrestling community’s heart.