Oct. 17, 2012
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa governor Terry Branstad has announced that October 25, 2012 will be recognized as Dan Gable Day across the state of Iowa. A special presentation will be made at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum on Oct. 25, the day of Gable’s 64th birthday.
“Dan Gable embodies commitment, perseverance, and dedication — values that are the foundation of the great state of Iowa and its people,” said Branstad in a statement released by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “I am honored be part of this historic event.”
The event begins at 9 a.m. with a reception at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. A short program will begin at 10 a.m. with comments from Governor Branstad and Dan Gable. The proclamation declaring October 25, 2012, as Dan Gable Day will be read aloud by Governor Branstad. This event is free and open to the public.
Gable was born in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1948. He won three individual state wrestling titles at West Waterloo (1964-1966) and compiled a 64-0 career high school record. He went on to win two individual NCAA titles at Iowa State University with a career college record of 117-1. Gable won an Olympic gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics without surrendering a point.
Gable began his legendary coaching career in 1976 at the University of Iowa, where he led the Hawkeyes to 15 NCAA championships and 21 consecutive Big 10 titles in 21 seasons (1977-1997). In 2000, Sports Illustrated named him the top sportsman in the state. There are three statues throughout the state dedicated to Dan Gable’s legacy.
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is located at 303 Jefferson St. in Waterloo. Contact the museum at (319) 233-0745 or dgmstaff@nwhof.org with questions about the event.