Family, friends remember one of NCSU’s greatest wrestling fans. ‘I will miss him’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chuck Coates, former wrestler and N.C. State alumnus, died at age 58.
- Coates supported N.C. State sports, fostered children, and worked in local ministry.
- Tributes from N.C. State and wrestling communities honor Coates’ legacy.
“Are you Chuck?” N.C. State wrestling fans would ask at virtually every match.
Chuck Coates was a season ticket holder, donor and passionate supporter of the Wolfpack program on social media. His wife, Cynthia, recalls the countless fans who would ask for photos and handshakes when they saw him at wrestling matches, football games and tailgates.
Chuck Coates, 58, died of post-surgery complications early Monday morning, Cynthia Coates announced on social media.
He became synonymous with the Wolfpack wrestling program from his social media posts. He shared photos and commentary on various N.C. State sports and interacted with members of the program almost daily for more than 10 years.
N.C. State football coach Dave Doeren attended one wrestling match, Cynthia Coates said, but fans were more interested in Chuck.
“I used to joke with him and tell him he was Twitter famous,” his wife, Cynthia Coates said. “People would just come up to him and get their pictures made with him. … We met so many people because they would come because they would see his posts — I'm not even on that platform — and his passion for the wrestling team.”
Chuck Coates undergoes triple-bypass surgery
Chuck and Cynthia were married for 16 years and celebrated their anniversary shortly before his death.
“I want to thank him for making me feel more loved than I've ever felt in my life, and secure and treasured,” Cynthia said. “I will miss him every day of my life. He was my best friend.”
Chuck Coates recently underwent triple-bypass surgery after experiencing shortness of breath and passing out at a recent pro wrestling event. The initial medical event was first attributed to heat stroke, then doctors discovered Coates had an irregular heartbeat. He had emergency surgery little more than a week ago. Due to complications during recovery, he underwent three more surgeries.
There has been an outpouring of support from the N.C. State and wrestling communities.
Wolfpack head wrestling coach Pat Popolizio has kept up with Chuck Coates’ health and also shared a message following his death.
“WPN lost one of the greatest fans and people of all time,” Popolizio posted on X. “Chuck, you will be greatly missed at all sporting events! Our guys will find a way to honor you this coming season.”
Cynthia Coates has seen stories about her husband — some she didn’t know about — and messages of sympathy on social media. Members of the program have contacted her directly, and an administrator with the Virginia Tech wrestling program also reached out.
“How he's made other people feel, or how he's contributed, it just makes me really proud to have been his wife,” Cynthia Coates said.
Who was Chuck Coates AKA Madd Maxx?
During his 20-year wrestling career, Chuck Coates performed under several alter egos but was most well-known for his persona, Madd Maxx. He wrestled under WWF, now WWE, and World Championship Wrestling. Chuck Coates’ career included fights against legendary “Andre the Giant,” Sting and Lex Luger.
Following his wrestling career, Chuck Coates, who graduated from NC State in 1986, was active in the Wolfpack Club and attended events with his grandson, Traylan, and his foster children. The Coates family fostered numerous children for more than a decade, including at the time of his death.
A three-time cancer survivor, Chuck Coates spent three years working at Durham Rescue Mission as the stewardship officer, serving as a liaison between the nonprofit and its supporters. He previously received disability payments but gave them up to work for the mission.
Durham Rescue Mission Vice President of Development Ernie Mills, a Blue Devils supporter, said his friend could’ve spent the last several years relaxing. Instead, Chuck Coates’ purpose was to help others, to put kindness into the world. Those are the things he will be remembered for — a gentle heart, commitment to his faith and family, a passion for service — even when facing his own challenges — and his love for N.C. State.
“He's a big sports nut, and he was instrumental in making N.C. State one of my favorite teams,” Mills said. “His enthusiasm is so contagious. It's hard not to like his teams. … So, from a Duke fan, I have to say, ‘Go Pack.’”
This story was originally published September 8, 2025 at 6:27 PM with the headline "Family, friends remember one of NCSU’s greatest wrestling fans. ‘I will miss him’."
