Kansas Kids leader Greg Grater passed away on March 2
Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
03/02/2006

Greg Grater of Green, Kan., a USA Wrestling’s Kids wrestling leader, passed away on March 2 reportedly from complications brought on by acute pancreatitis.

Along with his wife Leanna, Greg was named 2004 USA Wrestling Kids Person of the Year for all of his contributions to youth wrestling on the local, state and national levels.

“Greg was totally committed to providing the best opportunities possible for the youth interested in wrestling,” said USA Wrestling’s State Chairperson for Kansas Mike Juby. “I learned fairly quickly that he was a highly focused man who would not accept less than the best for the wrestlers of our state.”

The Graters served as tournament directors for the Kids/Cadet National Folkstyle Championships for six years (1998-2003) and the Southern Plains Regional for many years. Greg served as a Board Member on the Corporate Board of USA Wrestling Kansas and has served as the state’s Kids Director since 1998.

In 1985, Greg re-organized the Kansas Kids Freestyle/Greco-Roman camp held annually prior to the Southern Plains Regional. Gregory also held the offices of State Director Elect (1984), State Kids Director (1985) and State Tournament Director (1987-1998). He is a bronze-level certified coach.

In 1972, Greg founded the Clay County Wrestling Club, one of the state’s largest youth wrestling clubs. He remains as the Club Director and head coach.

Greg was selected as the USA Wrestling State Person of the Year in 1997, and Leanna was named the USA Wrestling State Person of the Year in 2002.

“Over the years, Greg's contributions to wrestling have extended from his Clay Center Club, beyond the state's borders, to affect wrestlers across the nation. Our loss is truly a loss for wrestling fans throughout the country.Wrestling has lost a great supporter, and I have lost a great friend. However, the foundations that he laid, and the accomplishments that he made possible, will live on,” said Juby.

USA Wrestling offers its sincere condolences to his family and friends and asks the wrestling community to keep his wife Leanna and the boys (Courtney, Jacob, Danny and Gavin) in their thoughts and prayers.

Additional information on arrangements and memorials will be provided when available.