Rice wrestled for the Golden Gophers from 1947-50, earning All-America honors in 1949 with a fourth place finish at 128 pounds. Rice helped the maroon and gold to seventh (1948) and fifth (1949) place finishes nationally during his tenure. In those same seasons he also won individual Big Ten titles, becoming just the third Golden Gopher to do so. The 1949 team finished as runner-up at the Big Ten tournament.
Named in the honor of Rice and his late wife Gloria, the Rice Wing is located in the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.
A long-time supporter of Greco-Roman wrestling, he made the United States Greco-Roman Olympic Team in 1956, while also winning national titles in both Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling. By pulling off the double, he remains one of the last two men to accomplish the feat. Rice coached the 1972 Greco-Roman Olympic team and has also coached two World teams.
His wife Gloria, was also influential in wrestling circles, as the two helped found the Minnesota Wrestling Club. She was also the first woman to learn the complicated international parings system and then taught it to American officials.
"This is a tremendous honor for Greco-Roman wrestling, and for Gloria and me," said Rice. "Greco-Roman is a very tough, physical style that demands total commitment and dedication. I am thrilled that the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum has chosen to honor these special athletes in such a fashion."
Among the honorees are Doug and Janet Reiter of Jesup, Iowa. They will receive the Legacy award , which honors a family that has made a large impact on the wrestling scene in the state of Iowa. Among their four sons are former three-time Golden Gopher All-American Mack Reiter and current freshman Bart Reiter.
The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, followed by a reception and a banquet at 7:00 p.m. the public is invited to attend and can do so by calling 319-233-0745.
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