Kyle Dake’s 2024 Olympic bronze medal in Paris wasn’t just about wrestling—it was a tribute to his father, Douglas “Doug” Dake, who passed away days earlier. Trailing Serbia’s Hetik Cabolov 4-1 with under a minute left, Kyle unleashed his iconic five-point to steal victory. However, behind the match was the iconic man who taught him to fight and was the source of motivation even after his death.
But wait, Doug Dake wasn’t just Kyle’s dad. He was the architect of a three-generation wrestling dynasty, a coach who turned grit into glory, and a community pillar whose impact stretched far beyond the mat. So, let us dive deep into his life.
Who Was Douglas R. Dake?
Born in Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1962, Doug Dake was wrestling royalty. His father, Robert Dake, founded the Lansing Central School District’s wrestling program in New York in 1962, sparking a family tradition. Doug carried the torch, becoming Westlake High’s first Ohio state champion before starring at Kent State University, where he earned All-American honors and later a Hall of Fame induction in 1999. He also excelled in Rugby.
Career and Achievements of Douglas Dake
While Doug was good at mat, his true calling was coaching. After marrying Jodi Provost in 1987, he settled in Lansing, New York, and took over the program his father built. For over 20 years, he mentored athletes at Lansing, Ithaca College, and Cornell University, preaching discipline and joy in the grind. He later dedicated over two decades to the Lansing Wrestling program, where he transformed kids into fierce champions. And his biggest and most popular mentee was none other than his son Kyle, who later became a four-time NCAA champ and Olympian.
Beyond the mat, he co-owned D Squared Construction, fixing roofs and helping neighbors for 30 years. In 1998, he funded a new track at his alma mater through the Allen Johnson High School Invitational, earning the 1999 USATF Humanitarian of the Year Award. He was also popular for his resilience. At nine, he lost his pinkie in a swing-chain accident but shrugged it off. That toughness fueled him through health battles later in life, all while cheering Kyle’s rise.
Nine days after losing his dad, Kyle qualified for Paris. During the match, he wore Doug’s handprint pendant, which swung with every takedown, reminding a silent coach in every scramble. After getting the medal, he said, “I wanted to do him proud,” Kyle said, his voice raw with emotion, which showcased their strong bond. When it comes to fans, that pendant wasn’t just jewelry—it was proof that Doug’s spirit lived on in every takedown, every comeback, and every ounce of Dake grit.
Doug lives through Kyle. And for Kyle, wrestling is not just about titles but keeping the legacy of his family alive. When he was rewriting history or winning medals in the Olympics, he was showcasing the resilience and grit of his father. Now, as he is eyeing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, his mission is clear: To embody the spirit of perseverance and strive to elevate American wrestling while keeping the memories of his father alive.
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