Arthur "Bucky" Maughan

Tribute Video: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/TBX356N9JRJ9HQDS

Arthur "Bucky" William Maughan, a legendary figure in the wrestling world, passed away on October 15, 2024, at Kinder Care Assisted Living in West Fargo, ND. Born on March 21, 1941, in Hickory, Pennsylvania, and raised in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Bucky became a prominent force in collegiate wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

A National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, Bucky led the North Dakota State University wrestling program to unparalleled success, including four NCAA Division II national championships in 1988, 1998, 2000, and 2001. Along with recruiting and coaching hundreds of student-athletes during his time at NDSU, he also recruited a loud and loyal fan base that followed the team across the country to countless matches and tournaments.

Prior to coaching at NDSU for 47 years, Bucky prepped at Canon McMillan High School in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was a state champion his senior year. After one year of college at Indiana University, Bucky transferred to Moorhead State College where he was a two-time NAIA national champion and the 1963 NCAA Division I champion at 115 pounds. He was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including those for Pennsylvania High School Wrestling, NAIA Wrestling, and NCAA Division II Wrestling. After graduating from Moorhead State with an English degree, he was hired as a graduate assistant Head Coach by Athletic Director & Head Football Coach Darrell Mudra in 1964. He continued his education while serving as head Wrestling and Tennis Coach and received his master's degree in counseling in 1966. Bucky earned the designation of Emeritus Professor, Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, M.S., and thoroughly enjoyed teaching classes and interacting with students. Bucky retired from NDSU in 2011.

Bucky enjoyed being an active member of the Fargo-Moorhead community. He was a sought-after personality, often speaking at local service clubs and numerous charity events with his unique wit and sense of humor. He was often paired with his good friend Dr. Bob Geston.

He enjoyed his time with family, especially during summers at his lake home on West McDonald Lake, where he was most happy when entertaining friends and playing with his grandchildren.

Bucky is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Leota; sons, Jack (Brenda) and Bret; grandchildren, Henry, Augustus, and Samuel Maughan; Lukas (Hayley), Yukon, and Jaclyn Maughan; his brother, Bob (Linda) Maughan of Georgetown, Colorado; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emma (Joe) Taylor and Arthur Maughan.

A "Send-Off Celebration" open house will be held at The Four & Four Downtown Venue in Fargo (located above Sidestreet Grille and Pub) on Saturday, October 26, from 3 pm-7 pm.

Memorials may be directed to the NDSU Foundation – Bucky Maughan Wrestling Endowment – 1241 North University Drive, Fargo, ND 58102, or the charity of your choice.

The Maughan family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Kinder Care Assisted Living and the team at Hospice of the Red River Valley for their compassionate care during Bucky's final days.