Gregory Wojciechowski

1950 - 2025

Gregory Wojciechowski

1950-2025

Gregory Wojciechowski passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 14, 2025, following a sudden heart attack.

Born in 1950 to parents Richard and Elaine Wojciechowski, Greg was a protégé of local wrestling icons Dick Torio, Joe Scalzo, and University of Toledo coach Dick Wilson. As a youth training at Torio's Health Club, he excelled in wrestling, capturing back-to-back Ohio Heavyweight State Championships with unbeaten seasons at Whitmer High School in 1967 and 1968.

At the University of Toledo, Greg compiled an extraordinary 55–2 career record in just three varsity seasons, reaching the NCAA Heavyweight finals each year. He was the national runner-up in 1970 and 1972 and captured the NCAA National Championship in 1971. Between 1969 and 1979, he also won eight Freestyle National Amateur Athletic Union titles and five Greco-Roman national championships.

Greg pursued his Olympic dream throughout his career, competing for a place on the U.S. Olympic Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling Teams in 1968, 1972, 1976, and 1980. Three times he was selected as an alternate. In 1980, he finally earned a full spot, winning both the freestyle and Greco-Roman Olympic Trials. However, due to the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Games, Greg never had the chance to compete on the Olympic stage.

He later transitioned to professional wrestling, performing for more than a decade under the name "The Great Wojo." He first won the World Wrestling Association (WWA) Heavyweight Championship in 1984, reclaiming the title again in 1985 and 1987 before retiring as champion.

Greg earned his degree in education from the University of Toledo in 1972 and went on to teach for more than 30 years, almost all within Toledo Public Schools. He also served as head wrestling coach at Archbold, Libbey, and Bowsher High Schools. A lifelong supporter of young athletes, Greg helped countless wrestlers with training, equipment, transportation, and encouragement. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma, joining his mentors Torio, Scalzo, and Wilson-a career highlight he treasured deeply.

Greg was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved going for walks and bird watching, often sharing that he felt closest to God while outdoors. Known for his generosity, loyalty, and mentorship, he guided many young people who otherwise might not have had opportunities. His sudden passing leaves a deep void in the lives of those who loved him, but his kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion will be remembered always. His memory will live on through the countless lives he has touched, with his generosity, dedication, and kind spirit. He was truly "The Great Wojo" in every sense of the name. He will be dearly missed.

"Guts Grit and Gumption"

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Hilda; his sons, Chad and Kyle (Kim) Wojciechowski; his stepchildren, Mona (Ralph), Melinda, John (Anita), and Michael (Olga); and grandchildren, Riley, Harper, Gregory Wojciechowski, Robert (Leticia) Born, Rene (Ellyse) Losoya, Monique (Devin) Villaloboz, John, Angelo, Julian, Christian, and Tori Pina, as well as many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Elaine Wojciechowski, and his son Ryan.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at The Premier, 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, Ohio. In addition, Greg will be honored with induction into the Championship International Wrestling Hall of Fame at a special tribute event on September 14 at the Skyway Rec Center in Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to causes close to Greg's heart, including Wounded Warriors and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to three of Greg's dearest friends-Don, Myron, and Mark-for their love and support.