By Jonah Bronstein
You could hold a battle royal with all of the alleged legends created in the fictional world of professional wrestling. But in the real world, there may be only one grappler who has earned that status.
Dan Gable was one of the most dominating wrestlers of all time, and when he turned his attention to coaching, he found even greater success.
On Thursday, Gable will be a special guest at the seventh UB Coaches Clinic at Alumni Arena. University at Buffalo coach Jim Beichner said this is Gable’s first visit to Western New York, and could very well be his last.
“This is big-time stuff,” said Eric Knuutila, who will be there with his Niagara County Community College team. “How can you miss Dan Gable when he’s in town? He’s a wrestling legend. It’s like John Wooden coming for basketball, or Joe Paterno for football. Even if you don’t know his face, you know his name.”
Local schools and clubs can bring their entire team to the clinic for a total cost of $100, or individuals can pay $5 to attend.
Beichner and his staff will put on a clinic for coaches on Wednesday, and Gable’s appearance will be from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.
“We’re expecting a big crowd,” Beichner said. “Coach Gable was the most famous coach of all coaches in wrestling. And even though our sport doesn’t get into the newspapers a lot, most sports enthusiasts know who Dan Gable is.”
Gable compiled a 118-1 record while he was at Iowa State, with his only loss coming in the NCAA finals. In 1972, he won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Munich without surrendering a single point.
As a coach, Gable amassed a 355-21-5 record in dual meets, and led the Hawkeyes to 15 national titles. During his time at Iowa, the program produced 152 All-Americans, 45 national champions, and 12 Olympians.
Beichner said he’s been trying to get Gable to come to UB for several years. Becoming president of the National Wrestling Coaches Association two years ago helped him accomplish that goal.
“I’ve done a lot of work for the association, and the only thing I’ve ever asked for in return is help with this clinic,” Beichner said. “And my only thought process is that it would be great for Western New York.”
IF YOU GO
• WHAT: UB Coaches Clinic, featuring wrestling legend Dan Gable
• WHEN: 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday
• WHERE: Alumni Arena
• COST: $100 per team; $5 for individuals
• MORE INFO: Contact UB coach Jim Beichner at 645-6876, or beichner@buffalo.edu
