Robert Layton Darrah

Coach Bob did so nicely at Urbandale, it was a shame to see him leave. The man knew wrestling inside and outside. He was firm, but fair. Anytime I saw him, he would smile. He will be missed. My heart goes out to the Darrah family.

Best wishes,
Alan Strong

Bob was a coach at Morning Sun when i first meant him in 1966. He would bring his team over to work out with Fort Madison's team and he and coach Pickford would try to figure out, as newer coaches, how to run a good practice together. I continued to see him over the years at state tournaments as i went o UNI and was very involved in that program and followed Bob all these years. Great person, great father, great coach and ambassador to our sport, RIP Bob!

I am profoundly fortunate to have been a student/athlete under Coach Darrah while at Dowling. His guidance in and out of the wrestling room has served me well. From the military to medicine, Coach Darrah's work ethic is ever present and never forgotten in my life. I can only hope that my children will have the same opportunities afforded me at Dowling, and are lucky enough to cross paths with a person such the caliber as Bob Darrah. Thanks Coach.

A lot of people at Dowling would have Coach Darrah for PE their freshmen year, so he left an impression on thousands of students. He genuinely cared about people and always appreciated strong effort. He was a great leader. My condolences to Matt and the family.

So many fond memories of you and my Daddy, John B Hayes that theres just not enough space to say it all. You were a treasure to many and now heaven got another good one. Much love and prayers to your family during this difficult time but know that Coach left a lasting / loving legacy that many will treasure!

Thanks for teaching us young men in the mid-1970;;;to believe in ourselves,an nothing is impossible but believe,positive attitude an hard work will ::; pay OFF .. now . An in the future! Thanks Coach. Class of 1973

Coach Darrah's positive influence on my life's trajectory is matched only by that of my parents. His "loving" needling at you to do more, to be better, to win was constant—e.g., "did you do your extrey," "champions pay the price," and my personal favorite, "Do you know who says winning isn't everything? Losers and silver medalists." His ability to motivate on and off the mat was (and still is) unparalleled. "Wrestling [or insert life, learning, parenting] is a full time job," he would say. His focus on physical and mental toughness may sound like a simple recipe, but few could mix it together (with a dash of love) as brilliantly as he could. When you thought you were injured, Coach would say, "But it's a long way from your heart, right?" Well, this one hurts right at the heart. The Sparrow will be missed by many for sure, but his influence on our lives and the lessons he taught each of us will endure. Thanks, Coach!

I'm saddened to hear about Coach Darrah's passing. I was a student at Dowling Catholic when he and Coach Denman joined the faculty and coaching staff at DHS in the fall of 1969. He had a way of encouraging one to "Give it your best effort" wether it was on the wrestling mat or on the "cinder track".. . He certainly left a "Long Legacy" of success during his coaching career.. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. R.I.P. Coach Darrah..

Coach is one of the most fascinating people I've ever had the privilege to know. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sara & Matt.
Jenny Knust