Sept. 14, 2007
IOWA CITY, IA – University of Iowa Assistant Wrestling Coach Dan Gable has decided to step down from that position. The announcement came today from Head Wrestling Coach Tom Brands.
Brands said Gable will remain fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of Iowa’s wrestling program, but without the title or on-the-mat responsibilities that come with the title of assistant coach.
“Dan has been my coach and my mentor. What’s important to me is that he’s going to remain involved in the Hawkeye wrestling program and will continue to play a significant role as we continue to make progress toward the goal of domination,” said Brands.
“My assistant coach’s role was always temporary and I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be directly involved in our wrestling program as much as NCAA rules allow me to be,” said Gable.
Gable, arguably the state of Iowa’s most successful student-athlete and coach and the architect of one of college athletics’ longest running dynasties, will return to his role as special assistant to the director of athletics effective Oct. 1. Another full-time coach will be added to the wrestling staff.
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“Dan has been my coach and my mentor. What’s important to me is that he’s going to remain involved in the Hawkeye wrestling program and will continue to play a significant role as we continue to make progress toward the goal of domination.”
UI Wrestling Coach
Tom Brands |
“I’m very excited for everyone who loves the sport of wrestling and cares about wrestling at the University of Iowa and worldwide. I feel good about the direction of our program and the leadership and the young men who are involved in our program,” he continued.
“What isn’t temporary, and what will never be temporary, is the respect and appreciation I have for Tom, his drive and determination, and the love he has for wrestling. We’re in very, very good hands and there is absolutely no doubt that we’re headed in the right direction.”
“The wrestling team is very lucky to have two great coaching minds like Coaches Brands and Gable available every day to help make us better,” said senior Mark Perry, the defending Big Ten Conference and NCAA champion at 165 pounds.
“I look forward to working with both of them again this year in helping our team win championships.” Perry added.
Brands said he has no timetable for the hiring of a full-time assistant coach.
“I have great guys around me including Coach Gable. They are all totally committed. At some point down the road, we’ll get the position filled with someone who shares my commitment to developing young student-athletes to win championships,” said Brands.
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