Gable won his first 118 matches at Iowa State. Following his career as a wrestler, Gable became one of the most prolific coaches in the history of organized sports at the University of Iowa. Gable's wrestlers have captured 14 NCAA titles in his first 20 seasons at the Hawkeye helm. But for all that, even Dan Gable wasn't perfect. As a wrestler, he lost his final college match, to Larry Owings of Washington in the NCAA finals, 13-11.
Wrestling prepares a person to fight the game of life.
When he wins, he must show quiet pride and modesty. When he loses, the responsibility is his. Wrestling is a true sport. No other sport requires more sacrifice then wrestling. The individual, through self-denial, offers more of his character than can ever be explained here.