In 1972 Dan Gable became the first American to win a World and Olympic title in consecutive years. After winning the World Championships in 1971, Gable won the gold medal at the Munich Olympics without surrendering a single point in his six matches.
Collegiately, Gable wrestled at Iowa State University and won two NCAA titles with a 119-1 career record. He also won three state titles at West Waterloo with a 64-0 record. In high school and collegiate competition he compiled an incredible record of 183-1. His only loss was to Larry Owings during the finals of the 1970 NCAA championships during his senior year.
As a coach, Dan Gable is quite possibly the greatest of all time. From 1977 through 1997 Gable led the University of Iowa to 15 NCAA team titles and a 355-21-5 dual meet record. The Hawkeye's also won nine NCAA titles in a row from 1978-1986.
Gable was also the coach of several international teams as well. He was head coach of the 1980, 1984, and 2000 Olympic teams.
In high school Gable was 64-0 and won three state titles at West Waterloo.
Did you know?
Dan Gable pinned his way through the 1969 NCAA tournament.
Dan Gable
Class of 2002 & 2003
1972 Olympic champion
1971 World champion
2-time NCAA champion
3-time Big Eight champion
3-time state champion
Coached
Iowa to 15 NCAA team titles
On
the Mat is a weekly wrestling radio program that airs every Wednesday
night. The broadcast can be heard live from 6-7 p.m. Central Standard
Time. The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in
Waterloo, Iowa, hosts the show.