Former Head Coach Mike Willson Passes Away
6/1/2026 10:10:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Willson led the Ohio State men’s gymnastics program from 1978-88 and ranks second among the program’s coaches in career wins.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Mike Willson, the Ohio State men's gymnastics head coach from 1978-88, passed away on Saturday, May 30. He was 88 and resided in Findlay, Ohio. Â
Â
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Willson," current head coach of the Ohio State men's gymnastics program, Rustam Sharipov, said. "He was an outstanding leader, mentor and person. Mike helped create the foundation of this program and for that, we are forever grateful. We are keeping his family and friends in our hearts."
Â
Willson leaves behind his wife, Helen, their three sons, Michael, Scott and Tim, and their daughter, Teri. A memorial will be held in Columbus later this summer for his Ohio State family.
Â
Willson amassed a 296-114-1 overall record and a 140-34-0 dual meet record while at the helm of the Buckeye program for 11 seasons. The three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (1983, 1985, 1987) earned Division I National Coach of the Year honors in 1985 and was Mid-East Regional Coach of the Year in 1983.
Â
Willson led the Buckeyes to three Big Ten Championships (1983, 1985, 1987) and the program's first national title in 1985. He also coached a pair of NCAA individual champions in Noah Riskin and Seth Riskin. Willson's gymnasts earned 13 All-American honors and took home 18 Big Ten Championships as individuals.
Â
Â
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Willson," current head coach of the Ohio State men's gymnastics program, Rustam Sharipov, said. "He was an outstanding leader, mentor and person. Mike helped create the foundation of this program and for that, we are forever grateful. We are keeping his family and friends in our hearts."
Â
Willson leaves behind his wife, Helen, their three sons, Michael, Scott and Tim, and their daughter, Teri. A memorial will be held in Columbus later this summer for his Ohio State family.
Â
Willson amassed a 296-114-1 overall record and a 140-34-0 dual meet record while at the helm of the Buckeye program for 11 seasons. The three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (1983, 1985, 1987) earned Division I National Coach of the Year honors in 1985 and was Mid-East Regional Coach of the Year in 1983.
Â
Willson led the Buckeyes to three Big Ten Championships (1983, 1985, 1987) and the program's first national title in 1985. He also coached a pair of NCAA individual champions in Noah Riskin and Seth Riskin. Willson's gymnasts earned 13 All-American honors and took home 18 Big Ten Championships as individuals.
Â
#GoBucksÂ
No videos available.
