Lopers Remember Derek Ross

Wrestling 5/19/2021 10:39:00 AM

Lopers Remember Derek Ross

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney wrestling program is mourning the loss of alumni Derek Ross who passed unexpectedly in his sleep Sunday (May 17) night. He was 33.

The native of St. Francis, Kan., lived and farmed in his hometown. He is survived by his wife, Allyse, and their children Carson, Collin and Sloan.

Graduating from UNK in 2010 with a Philosophy degree, Ross was a two-time All-American and a four-time Academic All-American. A member of UNK's first national championship team (2008), he wrestled between 184 and 285 pounds where he racked up 104 career wins.

Ross earned his All-American honors by placing third at 184 pounds (2010) and eighth at 197 pounds (2008). Finally, he joined future Olympian Tervel Dlagnev as Lopers to compete at the 2007 U.S. National Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas.

For the St. Francis High Indians Ross was a three-time state placer, finishing third each season.

Funeral services are set for Thursday (May 20) at 11:30 a.m. in St. Francis.

Print Friendly Version