Joe Hada, Jr. '72, a Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame member and one of the pillars of the Heidelberg University Wrestling program, passed away on Friday at the age of 75.
A native of Painesville, Ohio, Hada was a standout wrestler at T. W. Harvey High School before attending Heidelberg. Hada made an immediate impact on the Heidelberg Wrestling program, then in its infancy, becoming one of the first two 'Berg grapplers to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
After graduating with degrees in political science and education, Hada had a brief stint as a teacher and coach at Leetonia High School before settling into a similar role at Mentor High School. There, he enjoyed a storied career as the Cardinals' head wrestling coach -- racking up more than 200 wins. In 2022, he was inducted into the Ohio Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
For 12 seasons, Hada served his Sweet Alma Home as a volunteer wrestling coach. He helped the Student Princes win 10 Ohio Athletic Conference championships. During that run, The Berg had 25 individual conference champions, 40 national qualifiers, nine All-Americans, and one national champion.
"Coach Hada is synonymous with Heidelberg Wrestling," said Jason Miller, current Heidelberg Associate Athletic Director and Head Wrestling Coach from 2002-2010. "His passion, loyalty, and devotion for wrestling, Heidelberg, and his family was unparalleled. He was a great mentor and friend."
When Hada was inducted into the Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame in September of 2024, his daughter, Julia, wrote his profile. Poignantly penned, she closed with this paragraph:
"Joe will tell you, however, that his most significant source of pride is his family. Joe and Mary have three children, all fellow 'Berg graduates. Their daughter Betsy, '01, whom Joe was fortunate to call his colleague during her tenure as the most successful softball coach in Heidelberg history (2009-16), carries on the torch as an educator and coach. Their son Joe, '04, continues a legacy of public service as a criminal defense attorney/part-time prosecutor and as a devoted father to Jaxon and Alexis. Lastly, their youngest daughter, Julia, '07, '10, shares a dedication to the community by serving on various non-profit boards and donating her time to local youth sports."
Calling hours will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 28, at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH, 44077. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, at First Church Congregational, 22 Liberty St., Painesville, OH, 44077.
