Dan Gable

Dan Gable (born October 25, 1948 in Waterloo, Iowa), has often been called the Babe Ruth of wrestling.

Related Topics:
October 25 - 1948 - Waterloo, Iowa - Babe Ruth - Wrestling

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At Waterloo West High School, Gable went undefeated in high school between 1963 and 1966. After graduation, he moved on to Iowa State University where he won two NCAA titles (1968, 1969). His overall collegiate mark was 118-1. His singular defeat was in his final collegiate match in the NCAA tournament to Larry Owings in 1970.

Related Topics:
Waterloo West High School - 1963 - 1966 - Iowa State University - 1968 - 1969 - 1970

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After college, Gable wrestled as an amateur for three years. It was clear that he was single-minded in quest for the 1972 Olympic Games. During training, he was driven by the possibility that the Russians might be training harder than he. If he awoke in the night, he would do push-ups and sit-ups until he went back to sleep. "Maybe the Russians are training" he would think to himself. Gable would say later that he wanted to win by clear and indisputable victories, and not have any of his matches be left up to the judgment of a referee.

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Before leaving for the Games in Munich, the entire United States Olympic team was invited to the White House. Gable and two of his teammates chose not to attend because it would interfere with their training schedule.

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Needless to say, he won the gold medal at 149 pounds (68 kg) at the 1972 Summer Olympics despite suffering from a painful shoulder injury. In fact, Gable did not surrender a single point at the 1972 Games. As an amateur from his high school career to his retirement in 1973, he was 299-6-3 with 182 pins.

Related Topics:
1972 Summer Olympics - 1973

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Gable became head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa in 1976. He formed a dynasty unmatched in all of sport. From 1978 to 1986, the Hawkeyes won the NCAA title each year, a record nine in succession. He continued to coach the team until a sabbatical after the 1997 season. His record in dual meets was an amazing 355-21-6 with fifteen NCAA titles in 21 years.

Related Topics:
University of Iowa - 1976 - 1978 - 1986 - 1997

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In addition to his leadership at the college level, Gable was head coach of the United States Olympic team in freestyle wrestling in both 1984 and 2004. Currently, he is an assistant athletic director at the University of Iowa.

Related Topics:
1984 - 2004 - University of Iowa

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