Meet the premiere athlete-coach of the United States on Saturday, March 29, 2014, when Morrison High School Wrestling hosts Dan Gable, “The Top Wrestler of the 20th Century.” The 2:00 p.m. fundraiser will be held in the gymnasium of Morrison High School, 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL.
His presentation will benefit Morrison High School Wrestling equipment goals of 30 uniforms; two, used exercise bicycles; a new mat.
Prior to Gable’s public presentation, he will hold a meet-and-greet with youth wrestling teams. Time is limited. Area wrestling coaches are urged to contact Morrison Head Coach Tony Wright to arrange a time: tony.wright@morrisonschools.org.
After Gable’s motivational speech, he will conduct a question-and-answer session, followed by an opportunity for autographs for the general audience.
Two recent distinctions are noteworthy, 41 and 43 years after Gable completed his college wrestling career. During the 2012 Olympics, he was inducted into the FILA Hall of Fame Legends of the Sport category. He is only the third person in the world to receive this honor! In Des Moines, IA, on Friday, April 11, 2014, he will accept his latest accolade. The Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award is bestowed upon “individuals who consistently demonstrate good character as visible role models.”
Gable’s current mission is to build the sport of wrestling and ensure that wrestling remains an Olympic sport. Thus, he is one of the most approachable of dynamic former athletes, Olympians, and coaches.
Danny Mack “Dan” Gable always was a phenomenal, driven athlete, earning an astounding record of 181–1 during his prep and Iowa State University years. His only defeat came in the NCAA finals of his Senior year.
Gable was a two-time NCAA National Wrestling Champion and three-time All-American, and a three-time Big Eight Conference Champion. Additionally, he set NCAA records in winning and pin streaks. No one approaches those accomplishments.
In 1970, he was selected as the Nation’s Outstanding Wrestler by the AAU and the U. S. Wrestling Federation in 1971. Amateur Wrestling News dubbed him “Man of the Year” in 1970. He is “Iowa’s Top Sports Figure in the Past 100 Years” to boot!
Just as significant, Gable successfully transferred his technique and drive to others, through skillful coaching, books, and teaching videos.
While Head Wrestling Coach from 1976 to 1997, he became the “University of Iowa’s All-Time Winningest Coach.” His legacy includes 15 NCAA Wrestling Team Titles and a career record of 355–21–5.
Because he compiled an impressive record as an Olympic competitor and coach, he is now one of the “100 Golden Olympians.” Without surrendering a point, Gable won his gold medal at the famed 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. The Soviets reportedly came to the games with a single goal: Defeat Dan Gable. They failed, as did every foe!
In Gable’s final 21 Olympic qualifications and Olympic matches, he scored 12 falls and outscored his nine other opponents 130–1. As coach at the U of I, he skillfully instructed a dozen Olympians who earned four gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.
Gable has coached many United States teams in International Freestyle competition. He became a three-time Olympic Head Coach in 1980, 1984, and 2000. The 1984 Olympic team–with its four Hawkeyes–won seven gold medals under his tutelage. Gable was Assistant Freestyle Coach at the 1976 and 1988 Olympics. He served as Head Coach of the World Team in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1994, and 1999, and he coached ten World Cup teams that won three team gold medals in the World Cup competition.
The Gable-led U. S. team won bronze in 1986 at the Goodwill Games, and he led several all-star teams to Europe and the Soviet Union.
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, “Those who can do; those who can, teach others, too.” Surely, Dan Gable demonstrated this at the highest level during his coaching career. He continues to share his superior talent, athleticism, and devotion to his sport.
Share some time with him on Saturday, March 29, beginning at 2:00 p.m. as you support Morrison Wrestling.