The legend arrived: Dan Gable returns to Waterloo

Exclusive audio interview with Dan Gable

He may be the greatest athlete and coach ever. Dan Gable, born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa, set the standard for wrestling in this country. His legendary resume includes a 183-1 high school and college record, winning the 1972 Olympics without surrendering a point, compiling a 355-21-5 dual meet record as the head coach at the University of Iowa, and winning 15 NCAA team titles in 21 years. Sports Illustrated named Gable the top sports figure from Iowa in 2000.

Gable made a return trip to his hometown for a special autograph signing at the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum on Saturday, April 3. But even before he arrived, there was a buzz surrounding his appearance.

Thousands of wrestlers, parents, and coaches from across the country came to the area for USA Wrestling's Folkstyle Nationals, an annual event held at the UNI Dome on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. The UNI Dome is the same place where Gable won his final NCAA team title, setting a record for most points scored at 170.

Dan was scheduled to sign from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., but a line began to form at 1:20 p.m. as fans eagerly awaited his arrival. When Dan finally arrived he was met with applause. A long line continued until 4:15 p.m.

Most wanted an autograph or a picture; all had a story to tell.

A family of four drove from Kansas City just for the signing. A group from New York arrived early so they wouldn't miss their flight.

One young wrestler was named in Dan's honor. His first name was Gable and his middle name was Dan. Dan made sure to give the Gable Dan's mom a hug when he found out.

"Any time you can have people come to Waterloo and then leave and know it for something it's great," said Gable. "We had thousands of wrestlers in Cedar Falls and Waterloo and a lot of them came down to this museum. We did a great job today of representing Waterloo, Iowa, and the sport of wrestling."

The next major event at the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum is the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa on Saturday, April 17. The induction ceremony begins at 1 p.m. with a special kids clinic featuring NCAA champion Tolly Thompson at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend.