gables wrestling career

Dan Gable began wresting at the age of seven. His father Mack entered him into YMCA wrestling tournaments. When Dan was a freshman it was against high school rules to let freshman wrestle on the varsity team. Because you are not allowed to wrestle on varsity as a freshman you cant go to state. But throughout his sophomore to senior year he was an undefeated state champion. Also during his sixty- four prep matches he was undefeated. And at Iowa State he was 118-1 his only loss was to Larry Owings. Dan won two NCAA titles the one year he did not was when he lost to Owings. Gable wrestled internationally between the years 1971 and 1973. His folkstyle record was 29-1 and freestyle record was 97-5. And on the varsity team he went 99-1. At the very end of his wrestling career his record was 299- 6- 3. With182 pins. He became a five time wrestler of the year, and a two time freestyle champion. As a freshman he went 17-0, and as a junior he went 30-0 with 25 pins in high school.

Interview with Dan Gable

Q: In what year did you win your first World Olympic Title?
A: In 1972 I got my first all American and Olympic title.
Q: What amazed you about the Munich Games?
A: That I didn’t get scored on a single time throughout six matches.
Q: What was your final record of just High School and College?
A: I ended my school career at 119-1 my only loss to Larry Owings.
Q: In what year was your one and only loss?
A: My senior year.
Q: What was the final score of your match against Owings?
A: He won in overtime by throwing a four point move. 13-11
Q: What did most people know you as?
A: good coach, good wrestler, and a good friend.
Q: How many NCAA titles did you win?
A: I won three in a row. And the one I did not win was the loss I had to Larry Owings.
Q: What weights did you wrestle throughout college?
A: as a sophomore I wrestled at 130 and junior and senior I was at 137 pounds.
Q: How did you end up in the 1973 Olympics?
A: I won the 1973 Olympics at the light weight class.