THE PASSING OF MO BABI

TUESDAY 9 APRIL 2019

Mo Babi, from Colorado, passed away after recent struggles with health issues. Mo has been involved with USA Wrestling for many years as a State leader and Mat Official. He served multiple times as the State Director for Colorado and worked for many years as a Mat Official at many Regional and National events. Mo was instrumental in the development of the concepts of Dual competitions. Mo loved the Cadet Duals and started the first Dual event on two mats at a local high school. From that auspicious start it quickly grew to a National level event. The original idea was to get many matches in a short duration competition so younger Cadets could more quickly improve their wrestling skills. At the same time, Mo wanted the Cadet Duals to serve as a training ground for lesser experienced Mat Officials. The original participating States liked the concept and started sending their best Cadets but also demanded the best possible Mat Officials. The Cadet Duals became a National level event; Junior Duals and Schoolboy Duals soon followed suit. Mo’s wife, Pat, is an accomplished pairer and one of their sons, Jason, is an international level Mat Official. Mo’s demise will leave a huge void for all of his many friends. Funeral arrangements will be posted when completed by Mo’s family.

Former Olympic wrestler, coach Pat Lovell dies at 81

“He never grew up,” said Duane Morgan, commissioner of the Central Coast Section and a former wrestling official with Lovell. “He saw happiness in everything. He loved the kids. What a great life that is.”

Link to the Obituary