Doug’s passion and love for wrestling never wavered, as he watched from home while Penn State dominated Iowa—the collegiate wrestling world’s fiercest rivalry—the night before he passed peacefully on February 1, 2025.
Born on August 18, 1933, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Thomas Douglas McDonald was the son of Hector and Margaret McDonald. As an infant, he emigrated to the United States with his mother and older siblings, Mary Ann and Albert. The family settled in West Reading, PA, where his father worked for Metropolitan Edison Electric.
A distinguished student-athlete, Doug graduated from West Reading High School in 1951, excelling both academically and athletically. He participated actively in the Non-Athletic Activities Program and was a standout in multiple sports, including football, hockey, basketball, swimming, and baseball.
Doug attended Pennsylvania State University for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1953. Stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, he served honorably until 1955, earning medals for Good Conduct and Excellent Marksmanship. Following his service, he returned to Penn State, earning a Bachelor of Arts & Letters, and later received a Master’s degree in Advertising.
During his time as a sports reporter, Doug met the love of his life, Jane Houtz, a State College native. They married in December 1972 and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.
Doug dedicated 37 years of his career to The Centre Daily Times in State College, PA, retiring in 1994. As a respected journalist, he spent decades covering local high school and college athletes, leaving an indelible mark on the sports community. In 2017, he was among 13 individuals inducted into the Centre County Sports Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to sports journalism. His achievements included, most notably, induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. Among his many other accolades, he was honored with the Fran Fisher Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism and was named National Wrestling Media Association Print Journalist of the Year. Additionally, he served as president of the National College Basketball Writers Association (1976-77) and was chosen to be an elector for the 1981 Heisman Trophy Award. His commitment to covering and supporting student-athletes was recognized by the Bald Eagle Area Booster Club, which honored him for nearly four decades of dedicated, honest reporting.
Doug will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, unwavering passion and devotion to sports and his cherished wife, Jane.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Hector and Margaret McDonald, as well as his siblings, Mary Ann and Albert. He is survived by his niece, Anne of Hobart, IN, and his two nephews, Albert of Evanston, IL, and Kevin of Coconut Creek, FL.
A Visitation to honor Doug’s life and legacy will be held on Thursday, February 6, from 2 until 4 p.m. at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St, State College.
Friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Friday, February 7, at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College.
Following the interment at Centre County Memorial Park, Doug’s friends and colleagues are invited to Our Lady of Victory social center for brunch and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to “Rise Above: Friends of Adaptive Athletics at PSU” an organization that helps athletes with physical disabilities at https://riseaboveability.com/donate.
Condolences can be sent to his wife, Jane, at Wynwood House, 294 Discovery Dr, Boalsburg, PA 16827.