Kyle Klingman sent this in.
Dan Gable to participate in Pro Hall of Fame weekend
WATERLOO, Iowa—Dan Gable, the most recognizable name in amateur wrestling, will participate in the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame induction weekend on July 13-14. He is the namesake of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum where the pro hall of fame is located.
Gable won an Olympic gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics without surrendering a point. During his 21 seasons as the head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa (1977-1997) the Hawkeyes won 21 consecutive Big Ten titles and 15 NCAA team championships.
Several of the biggest names in professional wrestling will be on hand for the event. Most have ties to amateur wrestling.
Kurt Angle, one of this year’s inductees into the Hall of Fame, won a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Angle and Gable are part of an exclusive nine member club: wrestlers who have won an NCAA title, a World title, and an Olympic title.
Dan Hodge went 46-0 with 36 pins during his career at the University of Oklahoma. He was also a silver medalist at the 1956 Olympics. Hodge remains the only amateur wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Dan Severn, Baron Von Raschke, Bob Roop, Maurice Vachon, and Gerald Brisco had successful amateur wrestling backgrounds as well. Roop and Vachon each made an Olympic team while Raschke was a medalist at the World Championships.
“This year’s Hall of Fame weekend includes an unprecedented line-up of amateur and professional wrestling legends,” said Kyle Klingman, director of the Dan Gable Museum. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have them all in the same room.”
Gable will be at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum on Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m. for the panel discussion with Bill Apter and for the autograph signing that follows.
Other professional wrestling legends on hand for the event include John “Bradshaw” Layfield, Road Warrior Animal, Bill Apter, Jim Ross, and Larry Hennig.
Contact the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum at (319) 233-0745 or dgmstaff@nwhof.org for information on purchasing tickets. The Hall of Fame is located at 303 Jefferson St. in Waterloo.
Schedule of events
Friday, July 13
1 p.m. – Professional wrestling tryout with Gerald Brisco at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.
5:30 p.m. – Doors open to the public for Impact Pro Wrestling show at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Autograph signing begins.
7 p.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling show featuring former WWE and ECW star Perry Saturn and Colt Cabana.
Saturday, July 14
9 a.m. – Special live broadcast of Takedown Wrestling Radio with Scott Casber from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
Noon—Mixed Martial Arts seminar with Dan Severn in the Dan Gable Teaching Center inside the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
1 p.m.—Fan Fest at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Fan Fest includes a tribute to the career of Danny Hodge, historic wrestling matches playing in the theater, and Q & A with Bill Apter and wrestling legends.
2:30—Autograph signing with professional wrestling legends at the Hall of Fame.
5 p.m.—Hall of Fame reception at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.
6 p.m.—Induction banquet at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.
7 p.m.—Induction ceremony at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is a not-for-profit organization based out of Waterloo, Iowa. The mission of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is to preserve history, recognize excellence, and inspire future generations.