ALAMOSA – Adams State University mourns the passing of longtime Wrestling Coach and Athletic Director Dr. Rodger Jehlicka, who passed away peacefully early Thursday morning.

The winningest coach in Adams State Wrestling history, Jehlicka led the program from 1982 to 1999, building a lasting legacy of excellence. Under his leadership, the program captured a team national championship and produced 69 All-Americans, six individual national champions, and eight national runners-up. From 1995 to 1999, he also served as the university’s Athletic Director, further solidifying his impact on Adams State athletics.

Before his storied coaching career, Jehlicka was a standout athlete at Winona State University, excelling in both football and wrestling. His achievements earned him induction into the Winona State Hall of Fame in 1998.

Jehlicka’s contributions to the sport extended far beyond Adams State. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the NAIA Wrestling Hall of Fame (1996), Adams State Hall of Fame (2005), and the RMAC Hall of Fame (2013), recognizing his remarkable influence on collegiate athletics.

After his time at Adams State, Jehlicka continued his career in collegiate athletics administration, serving as an Associate Athletic Director at Eastern Illinois University for six and a half years before becoming the Athletic Director at the University of Illinois Springfield, where he spent another six years.

His legacy lives on through his family, including his grandson, Luke Diehl, who is continuing the tradition as a freshman on the Adams State Wrestling team.