[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 103 (Monday, July 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO DAN GABLE, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA WRESTLING COACH

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, too many times in our world today we 
settle for mediocrity, we settle for just enough to get by. But today, 
I rise to pay tribute to an Iowan who has never settled for anything 
less than excellence. I am referring to Dan Gable, head wrestling coach 
at the University of Iowa. Dan recently announced that he will be 
taking a year off and turning his coaching duties to others. I think 
this is the right time to look at the impressive record of Dan Gable.
  Many of you may recognize Dan's name because of his legendary 
accomplishments in the sport of wrestling. Dan reached the very 
pinnacle of this sport in the late 1960's and has stayed there ever 
since. As a competitor, Dan compiled a nearly flawless record of 182-1 
in his prep and college career. Dan was a three time all-American and 
three time Big Eight Champion.
  After college, Dan went on to win titles at the Pan American Games 
and world championships. Dan also demonstrated his superiority in 
wrestling when he won a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics.
  His accomplishments as a coach are no less stellar. Teams coached by 
Dan have an amazing 355-21-5 record. He has coached 152 all-Americans, 
45 national champions, 106 Big Ten champions, and 10 Olympians, 
including four gold medalists. To say Dan is a living legend in his 
chosen field is not an overstatement.
  But even more admirable is how Dan has handled being at the top of 
his field for nearly 30 years. We regularly hear about athletes 
involved in scandal after scandal--so much that we hardly raise an 
eyebrow when the newest controversy makes headlines. But Dan has always 
conducted himself with dignity and a refreshing lack of arrogance. Dan 
has imparted in the wrestlers he has coached an appreciation of hard 
work, perseverance, graciousness, and calm under pressure. If you 
believe there are no more role models, then you must not know about Dan 
Gable. I hope my statement might help correct that misbelief. Dan Gable 
exemplifies the notion that to be a true winner is not just about 
scoring the most points; it means carrying the title of winner with 
integrity and character. Dan Gable has certainly done that.
  I thank him for the credit he has brought to his family, his 
community, his sport, and the State of Iowa, and wish him the very best 
in all his future plans. I know he will continue to approach whatever 
he does with the same commitment and hard work he always has in the 
past.

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