Former Central Ohio Baseball Coach Dave Starling Passes Away At 71, Leaving His Wife Of Four Decades Behind

September 10, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 10, 2026

The Central Ohio High School community is mourning the loss of a beloved former coach, Dave Starling, who lost his life at the aged 71, leaving his wife, Sherry Starling. They were married for over forty years.

Starling also thanked his wife for being an inspiration, support, and the main reason behind his success.

Legacy Of Over Four Decades

Dave and Sherry tied the knot when the Coach was in his early years at Reynoldsburg High School. He was also an Athletic Hall of Famer of the same high school.

Dave and Sherry Starling also had a daughter. (Source: )

Dave was just not into baseball, but was a multi-sport sensation, who also had a varsity-level athletic award in football and basketball.

For his university, he accepted a scholarship to Youngstown State University, but later graduated from Capital University.

He has coached three teams in his career, including Reynoldsburg High School, New Albany, and Hilliard Bradley, with over 40 years of experience.

After the passing of the Coach, Bradley High School Athletics Administration’s Chad Bobek released a statement.

It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our Head Baseball Coach, Mr. Dave Starling.

We understand that this news is very difficult for our students and families. Counselors are available here at school to provide support to any students who may need someone to talk to during this time.

Out of respect for the Starling family, we kindly ask that their privacy be honored as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. We will update our players and families with information that we receive.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Starling family, our players, and the entire Bradley Baseball community.

The late Dave Starling has also received hundreds of heartfelt messages from students, relatives, and friends, who admired his humility, kindness, and honesty.

“There are no words to express the loss of our brother-in-law, Dave Starling, yesterday. He was the kindest, most loving husband, father, granddad, brother, uncle, and coach in the world. Our hearts are broken, but we know he is now an Angel looking over all of us,” wrote Darlene, his sister-in-law.

Most of the students saw Dave as their best coach. (Source: )

According to many, Daave was not just about sports, but a life too. He taught students moral values, who made a difference and have impacted everyone in their lives, who came across his path.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Dave Starling was given Capital’s Bill Bernlohr “Man Award” in 1976 during his University days.
• He coached two alumni of Reynoldsburg, who later went to play in the MLB: Mike Matheny and Eric Fryer.
• The Coach had multiple achievements, including being a seven-time Ohio Capital Conference Coach of the Year, a two-time Central District Coach of the Year, and the 2003 Columbus Dispatch Coach of the Year, as well as the 2019 This Week Coach of the Year.

• Check other Articles on

Anish Koirala has loved sports since he was a kid. He grew up playing basketball and soccer, and that passion stayed with him over the years. Today, Anish works as a writer and editor, sharing his knowledge and love for the game through articles and stories. He uses his playing experience to make his writing clear, thoughtful, and fun to read.

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