In addition, Iowa's first four-time state wrestling champion will be on hand for the festivities. Bob Steenlage made Iowa history in 1962 when he captured his fourth state title for Britt High School. He went on to become an All-American at West Point, serve as an officer in Vietnam and become a highly sought motivational speaker in the 1990s.
Other guests already confirmed are Dan Gable, 1972 Olympic champion and long-time University of Iowa wrestling coach; Dan Severn, former wrestling All-American and mixed martial arts star; Tolly Thompson, the only native born Iowan to win a World Championship medal at heavyweight; Chuck Yagla, two-time NCAA champion and 1980 Olympian; Brad Rheingans, two-time Olympian and pro wrestling hall of famer; and Tim Hurley, mayor of Waterloo.
"This will be a one of the great days in wrestling history," said Kyle Klingman, associate director of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum. "The Waterloo and Cedar Falls area has been considered the wrestling capital of the world. I can't think of a better way to honor Iowa's first true wrestling legend than by celebrating a day in his honor in Waterloo."
Frank Gotch Day will be celebrated on April 3, 2008, in Humboldt, Waterloo and at the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum here. The museum is planning several activities and has invited everyone to participate.
April 3, 2008, will commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Gotch's win over George Hackenschmidt to win the world heavyweight wrestling championship. Gotch's victory in Chicago on April 3, 1908, was a pivotal moment in wrestling history. Gotch's victory set off a wild celebration among sports fans in Humboldt, across Iowa and around the nation.
Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley and Humboldt Mayor Walter Jensen have both declared April 3 as Frank Gotch Day in their respective cities. Iowa Governor Chet Culver has also proclaimed April 3 Frank Gotch Day statewide.
"This is a very important date in the history of wrestling, and we didn't want it to pass unnoticed," said Mike Chapman, executive director of DGIWIM. "Gotch has had a tremendous impact on wrestling in the state of Iowa, and around the nation. Having all these wrestling legends here for this event will be a highlight for all wrestling fans."
The addition of this year's Iowa High School state wrestling champions marks another historic day for the state. Gilbertville-Don Bosco (1A), Ballard-Huxley (2A), and Waverly-Shell Rock (3A) each set the record for the most points scored at state tournament for its respective class. Waverly Shell Rock set the all-time state record amongst all classes with 225 total team points. All three schools will be honored and will participate at the luncheon.
Events for the day include a Frank Gotch luncheon at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention center at noon, followed by a special reception at the Gable Wrestling Museum at 2 p.m.
At the reception, artwork of the historic match between Gotch and Hackenschmidt from April 3, 1908, will be unveiled for the first time. Also, a 12-mintue documentary on the life of Gotch will be shown, and a new book about Gotch's legacy will be available for the first time. The documentary is the work of Atlas Technologies of Ames, and Mike Chapman authored the book. Copies of the documentary and the book will be available for purchase.
The documentary will include a historic look at the amazing career of Frank Gotch. The film will also feature commentary from Chapman, Gable, and University of Iowa head coach Tom Brands. Brands was quoted recently that Gotch was the primary reason for Iowa's great wrestling tradition.
At 6 p.m., Severn will hold a three-hour seminar in the Dan Gable Teaching Center in the museum, showing and discussing the techniques of catch wrestling (Gotch's preferred style of wrestling) and mixed martial arts.
Both the luncheon and the seminar are open to the public, but will be limited to 100 persons at the luncheon and 30 at the seminar. The cost for the luncheon is $15 and the cost of the Dan Severn seminar is $40. Anyone wishing to reserve spots at either can call the museum at 319-233-0745.
Frank Gotch Day Schedule (April 3)
12 Noon -- Frank Gotch Luncheon at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center (Special Guests: Dan Severn, former NWA world champion and UFC legend; Dan Gable, America's leading figure in amateur wrestling history; and Bob Steenlage, Iowa first four-time state champion, as well as representatives of the three 2008 Iowa high school team champions).
2:00 p.m. -- Unveiling of new artwork at museum of Frank Gotch's historic match on April 3, 1908, when he won the world heavyweight title, and of new book by Mike Chapman on Gotch's legacy in the world of catch wrestling.
2:15 p.m . -- Debut at museum of the Frank Gotch documentary
6-9 p.m. -- Special clinic on catch wrestling and mixed martial arts by Dan Severn in Dan Gable Teaching Center
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