Lou Albano Dies

Captain Lou Albano died today at the age of 76; the cause of death was not disclosed. Wrestler's Resuce reported yesterday that Albano was ill and was under hospice care. The group is collecting donations to be forwarded to the Albano family for medical expenses. Information on how to donate is on the charity's MySpace page here.

For me, I'll always remember Albano as the manager of tag team champions, at least 16 depending on whom you ask. Such great teams as the Moondogs, the Wild Samoans, Barry Windham/Mike Rotundo and the British Bulldogs to name a few. He also managed Ivan Koloff when the "Russian Bear" ended Bruno Sammartino's reign as W.W.W.F. Champ in 1971 after nearly eight years as the title holder.

In many ways, the current stars can thank Albano for the money they are making today, because the Captain helped to bring wrestling to greater heights during the 1980s in association with MTV and the famed rock and wrestling connection.

Albano was also a heck of a football player in the 1950s at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, N.Y.

Click this for more on his career.