Since I haven’t been putting a newsletter out on a regular basis, I think I’ll try a new approach. I love this sport and I have so much to talk about that I need to share my thoughts more often. I’m not sure if there will be any pattern or just what’s on my mind while I’m thinking about the past, the future and the current. What’s next? Tune in…Where Have I Been?
Went to Lewisburg, PA to help with the reinstatement of Bucknell University wrestling. Great weekend and turnout for their boosters at a celebration banquet. Mike Duroe (world coach, Cornell College head coach), Pablo Ubasa (youth coach in Iowa) and I put on a 4-hour clinic and promotion for the local wrestlers, coaches and fans. Coach Dan Wirnsberger has a good situation with Bill Graham’s backing as well as strong administrative support within the athletic department. Good situation, now coach Dan must do everything, or at least most everything, right. Eyes are upon him!
Recently started doing a Q & A with WIN Magazine and writer Mike Finn. I hope I can add value and entertainment.
Attended a book signing in Waterloo, IA at Barnes and Noble for Mike Chapman’s new book Wrestling Tough. I’m all over the book – thanks Mike. I also signed a few Coaching Wrestling Successfully books, written by myself and published by Human Kinetics.
Next, I traveled to Minneapolis for a coach’s clinic for the U of M and Coach J Robinson. Fantastic turn-out as well as a next day short presentation to the Minn. State Wrestling Coaches Association. Hope to have made a few fishing contacts because of a recently purchased fishing cabin in that neck of the woods.
Off to another book signing for Chuck Offensburger (former Iowa boy) and Bernie Saggau (retired Iowa HS Athletic Association Executive Director) with their new book on Iowa H.S. athletics.
Shortly after, a trip to Council Bluffs for the Grand Opening of a Bass Pro Shop. I got to stand alongside Tony Stewart (NASCAR), Jimmy Houston (fishing), Rick Clunn (fishing), Gary Parsons (fishing), Keith Kavajecz (fishing), and Jerry Martin (hunting) at this opening. I was pleasantly surprised with Jimmy Houston’s ad Rick Clunn’s knowledge of wrestling and myself. Great crowd and many were fanatics for Stewart and NASCAR.
Next stop, Storm Lake, Iowa to help Mark Schwab promote his program at BV and wrestling in Northwest Iowa. Great turnout – 340 athletes and another 100 – 200 in the stands. I also did a speech to the BV faculty and another to the students as well. Pablo Ubasa helped me out at the clinic.
Speaking of Pablo, he is starting a new wrestling club in Cedar Rapids. Pablo has done a great job at coaching and mentoring athletes in the K-12 grades. Many have become and are becoming superstars in the sport. If anyone is wanting to look into this club call Pablo at 319-321-7674.
Next, I was off to Sioux City for the press conference and announcement of the USA World Trials for 2006 that are being held at the Tyson Center on Memorial Weekend (May 26 – 28). Tim Tushla is spearheading the event. Tim as well has brought the NAIA wrestling tournament again back to Sioux City for the next several years. If anyone is interested in helping sponsor in any capacity, call Tim at 712-251-7570. My first contact with Tim was when Lincoln McIlravy was sponsored by Gateway in his Olympic efforts and Tim was the contact for Lincoln at Gateway. Tim since has gone another route, but promotes the heck out of amateur wrestling.
Lastly, a trip to Grand Junction, Colorado with Mike Moyer (NWCA) and Pablo Ubasa to reinstate Mesa State College’s wrestling program. What a turnout! Over 400 attended a fundraising banquet and over 200 attended a clinic the next day. I also addressed the local youth wrestling coaches at a breakfast before the clinic. Duane Banks (retired UI baseball coach) lives in Grand Junction and he attended a lot of the events. It was good seeing Duane again and he actually is working at a local golf course in Grand Junction.
I forgot one last event…a trip to Waverly, Iowa for the official opening of the wrestling season at Joe’s Knight Hawk. Of course, “Joe” is Joe Breitbach, a former East Waterloo wrestler who happened to challenge me in one our famous East-West wrestling meets in Waterloo. I had to represent ISU again at this event, but I gladly do so.
Along the way, a couple of trips to show Mackenzie (my youngest daughter) possible colleges for next year. Loved seeing Buckwheat Bannon (admissions counselor at CR Kirkwood) and of course Larry Munger (asst. wrestling coach at Upper Iowa). Lots of good people out there – just need to cultivate them to make sure they are helping the cause…or is it causes? I sometimes need to be reminded that there is more to life than wrestling…really?!?
Next – I’m off to Boston.
Recently started doing a Q & A with WIN Magazine and writer Mike Finn. I hope I can add value and entertainment.
Attended a book signing in Waterloo, IA at Barnes and Noble for Mike Chapman’s new book Wrestling Tough. I’m all over the book – thanks Mike. I also signed a few Coaching Wrestling Successfully books, written by myself and published by Human Kinetics.
Next, I traveled to Minneapolis for a coach’s clinic for the U of M and Coach J Robinson. Fantastic turn-out as well as a next day short presentation to the Minn. State Wrestling Coaches Association. Hope to have made a few fishing contacts because of a recently purchased fishing cabin in that neck of the woods.
Off to another book signing for Chuck Offensburger (former Iowa boy) and Bernie Saggau (retired Iowa HS Athletic Association Executive Director) with their new book on Iowa H.S. athletics.
Shortly after, a trip to Council Bluffs for the Grand Opening of a Bass Pro Shop. I got to stand alongside Tony Stewart (NASCAR), Jimmy Houston (fishing), Rick Clunn (fishing), Gary Parsons (fishing), Keith Kavajecz (fishing), and Jerry Martin (hunting) at this opening. I was pleasantly surprised with Jimmy Houston’s ad Rick Clunn’s knowledge of wrestling and myself. Great crowd and many were fanatics for Stewart and NASCAR.
Next stop, Storm Lake, Iowa to help Mark Schwab promote his program at BV and wrestling in Northwest Iowa. Great turnout – 340 athletes and another 100 – 200 in the stands. I also did a speech to the BV faculty and another to the students as well. Pablo Ubasa helped me out at the clinic.
Speaking of Pablo, he is starting a new wrestling club in Cedar Rapids. Pablo has done a great job at coaching and mentoring athletes in the K-12 grades. Many have become and are becoming superstars in the sport. If anyone is wanting to look into this club call Pablo at 319-321-7674.
Next, I was off to Sioux City for the press conference and announcement of the USA World Trials for 2006 that are being held at the Tyson Center on Memorial Weekend (May 26 – 28). Tim Tushla is spearheading the event. Tim as well has brought the NAIA wrestling tournament again back to Sioux City for the next several years. If anyone is interested in helping sponsor in any capacity, call Tim at 712-251-7570. My first contact with Tim was when Lincoln McIlravy was sponsored by Gateway in his Olympic efforts and Tim was the contact for Lincoln at Gateway. Tim since has gone another route, but promotes the heck out of amateur wrestling.
Lastly, a trip to Grand Junction, Colorado with Mike Moyer (NWCA) and Pablo Ubasa to reinstate Mesa State College’s wrestling program. What a turnout! Over 400 attended a fundraising banquet and over 200 attended a clinic the next day. I also addressed the local youth wrestling coaches at a breakfast before the clinic. Duane Banks (retired UI baseball coach) lives in Grand Junction and he attended a lot of the events. It was good seeing Duane again and he actually is working at a local golf course in Grand Junction.
I forgot one last event…a trip to Waverly, Iowa for the official opening of the wrestling season at Joe’s Knight Hawk. Of course, “Joe” is Joe Breitbach, a former East Waterloo wrestler who happened to challenge me in one our famous East-West wrestling meets in Waterloo. I had to represent ISU again at this event, but I gladly do so.
Along the way, a couple of trips to show Mackenzie (my youngest daughter) possible colleges for next year. Loved seeing Buckwheat Bannon (admissions counselor at CR Kirkwood) and of course Larry Munger (asst. wrestling coach at Upper Iowa). Lots of good people out there – just need to cultivate them to make sure they are helping the cause…or is it causes? I sometimes need to be reminded that there is more to life than wrestling…really?!?
Next – I’m off to Boston.
posted by DanGable.com at 2:32 PM
2 Comments:
Dan -
I stumbled onto you blog while checking some NJ wrestling results. Glad I did. While my wrestling knowledge is limited I certainly knew of you and a bit of your wonderful career on and off the mat.
I never wrestled or was particularly interested in it - my high school didn't offer it in the mid 80s. I was more of a traditionalist with the -ball sports.
I now have two sons, 5 & 3 (and an 11 mo old daughter but I'll let her master walking first), and we love hitting area high school matches. I've become fascinated with the sport and think it would be great for the boys to pursue.
Can you direct me to a solid foundational book/tape/dvd that would be good for a parent like me that knows very little about the sport. I really want to expand my knowledge base so I can help the boys along the way if they continue to show interest.
Any feedback from you, or other readers if they see this comment, is greatly appreciated. You can reach me at thenardones@gmail.com.
Thanks and all best to you in 2006.
Coach Gable,
This is somewhat off the subject but I was curious as to what your thoughts were on it...
This football season the Indianapolis Colts had a chance to go undefeated and place themselves in the history books as the second team in NFL history to do so, however as soon as they were locked in to a playoff bid their focus seemed to change from domination to only the Super Bowl. They pulled many of their starters, losing 2 of their last three games. Now I realize that championships are the ultimate goal for a team but at the same time, I feel at least that if you have the opportunity to dominate that you should do so.
It reminded me of a speech that you gave at the U of Iowa camp in the summer of 1998 regarding this subject, you spoke about how America needed wrestling and gave an example of a distance runner (not sure of the name) who had a chance to set a new world record but once victory in this particular race (I believe it was the Olympics) was assured he slowed down and didn't perform to his full potential.
I didn't know if you'd like to elaborate more on this subject as I enjoyed the speech you gave immensely and would imagine that all the website visitors would like to hear it as well.
Sincerely,
-Brett Rich
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