Jordan Baumeister, ex-Ursinus wrestler, loses cancer battle at age 25

Former Ursinus College wrestler Jordan Baumeister died Jan. 16 after a long battle with cancer. He was 25.

Baumeister had been diagnosed with cancer while a sophomore at the Collegeville, Pa. school. His disease had gone into remission twice.

Baumeister had grown up in Drexel Hill, Pa., attending Hillcrest Elementary School and Drexel Hill Middle School, then Haverford School. A multi-sport athlete, Baumeister was introduced to wrestling at age 10. He won an inter-county championship and was undefeated at Drexel Hill Middle School. He lettered all four years at Haverford.

While at Ursinus, Baumeister took an internship at the NBC-TV affiliate in Philadelphia, which then led to his becoming a production assistant. During his final months, Baumeister's newsroom co-workers took up a collection that became a station-wide, community-wide fundraiser.

"Jordan was a gentle, considerate person," said morning news producer Michael Pecker. "He lit up a room, bringing energy and a light that stood out."

Jordan T. Baumeister is survived by his parents, Madeliine and Thomas, a brother and a sister, and other relatives.

Services have already been held.

The Ursinus wrestling family was struck twice by tragedy in January. Teammate Daniel Glover, 24,  was involved in a car accident on his way to Baumeister's funeral, and died one week later from his injuries.

Thanks to amateur wrestling website d3wrestle.com for informing us of Baumeister's passing.

Want to know more? Read the tribute to Jordan Baumeister from the Philadelphia Inquirer... and the funeral home announcement.