Bison wrestling coach remembers recruit Mendez as 'tough kid from Dodge City'

FARGO — The emotions are still raw for Roger Kish.

The North Dakota State wrestling coach was with his staff over the weekend when he was told something was wrong with incoming freshman Damian Mendez.

"We learned from his high school coach that he was in critical condition and was being overflown to a major hospital in Colorado and getting immediate attention," Kish remembered.

On Sunday, Mendez died from an apparent heatstroke. He had been out for a run while wearing a sweat suit.

"There's no way to prepare for something like this," Kish said.

What hit harder for the Bison staff was that Mendez was on campus just days before his death for orientation.

"He was here Wednesday, Thursday," Kish said. "You could tell he was excited for the next steps of his life."

"To hear something tragic happen so soon after this, it was hard."

Mendez, who signed with NDSU in March, was coming off his second straight unbeaten season and claimed his third Kansas state wrestling championship.

"Toughness," Kish said on what he was from Mendez. "He's a tough, tough kid from Dodge City, Kansas. Those guys are rare."

Something that was further solidified with Mendez's visit last week.

"You think about what could’ve been. I think that, what could’ve been, that’s the hardest part," Kish said.

The shock of the last five days is still sinking in for the Bison coaching staff.

"I’m still not sure how I’m navigating this. I’m still trying to come to terms with such a loss," Kish said.

Kish says the Bison plan to pay tribute to Mendez and support his family throughout the upcoming season.

"You remember him for the enthusiasm and the excitement that he had," he said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family pay for funeral expenses.