06/04/2026
Today the Morris wrestling club family lost one of our own. Our beloved coach, mentor, and friend Derek Hecklers battle with cancer ended in his peaceful return to our Heavenly Father surrounded by his loved ones. Our hearts are shattered for those closest to him and offer our sincerest condolences to his wife and children as they begin to live through the unimaginable. Derek and his family joined MWC back in 2022 and quickly became invaluable to our organization. Derek’s humor, calmness and supportive “wherever, whenever, whatever” attitude made his presence in our wrestling room one that will be dearly missed. Whether it was long nights in the wrestling room, longer weekends in hot gyms in the corner of children he loved as his own, and every moment in between our love for Derek and our gratitude for his commitment to our program never wavered.
At this time we ask for prayers for his family and that if you have any photos or memories of coach Derek that you’d like to share to please post them below.
We would also ask, if you haven’t done so yet to please share or donate to the 50/50 raffle we’re hosting in Derek’s honor to help support his family in this devastating time. 100% of ALL proceeds raised by this effort will go directly to Derek’s wife and children.
