Members of the Class of 2010 are Gordon Hassman, Chuck Jean, Dan Holm, Mike Allen, Mark Reiland, and Tolly Thompson
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"This is another great class of inductees,” said Kent Sesker, marketing director at the Gable Museum. “All are well-deserving of this prestigious honor."
Also that weekend is a wrestling clinic featuring Tolly Thompson, one of this year’s inductees. This free clinic will begin at 11 a.m. at the Dan Gable Teaching Center located in the museum.
The Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honor the people who have made an impact on the sport on a national level, or who have done extraordinary work in the State of Iowa. The hall recognizes native born Iowans, and those who achieved their fame while wrestling or coaching for an Iowa college. To date, 98 individuals have been honored by the hall. This is the ninth class.
The hall is named after Glen Brand, an NCAA champion for Iowa State in 1948, who won an Olympic gold medal the same year, at 174 pounds in London. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering and by 1983 he owned two companies in Omaha -- Brand Hydraulics and Brand Fluid Power. The companies had over 50 distributors around the world. He attended every hall of fame inductions, and passed away on Nov. 15, 2008, in Omaha, at the age of 85.
"This is a chance to honor six worthy inductees and a chance to honor Glen Brand," said executive director Kyle Klingman. "Brand continues to influence wrestling through his remarkable contributions."
Gordon Hassman was a three-time All-American and two-time Big Eight champion for Iowa State. As a junior in 1964, Hassman capped a perfect season with an NCAA title at 157 pounds. The following season he placed third at the same weight and was part of the Cyclones’ first NCAA team championship. Born and raised in New Hampton, Iowa, Hassman won a state title in 1960.
A native of Albert Lea, Minn., Chuck Jean won NCAA titles for Iowa State in 1969 and '70 before transferring to Adams State and winning NAIA titles in 1972 and '73. He was also part of four team championships, making him the only collegiate wrestler to win four individual national titles and four team national titles. Jean was a state champion for Albert Lea High School in 1967.
Dan Holm was a three-time All-American for the University of Iowa. Placing third at the NCAA tournament in 1973 & '74, Holm won an individual NCAA title in 1975. His title was part of the first NCAA team wrestling championship in school history. Holm wrestled for Libertyville High School in Illinois, winning a state title in 1971. His high school coach was 1972 Olympian and Glen Brand Hall of Famer Bob Buzzard.
Mark Reiland won two state titles and was a four-time placer for Eagle Grove (IA) High School from 1984-1987. He went on to the University of Iowa where he was a two-time All-American and NCAA champion in 1991. He has achieved excellence in coaching as well, leading the Iowa City West program to six state championships: four dual meet titles and two traditional state titles.
Mike Allen grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, and attended East High School where he competed in football and wrestling. He also competed in both sports at Ellsworth Community College (IA) and the University of Northern Iowa. Allen is best known for his 35-year career as a wrestling official. He has officiated national wrestling tournaments in all five divisions, including 23 NCAA Division I tournaments.
Tolly Thompson was a two-time state runner-up for Janesville (IA) and a three-time All-American for the University of Nebraska. Thompson won an NCAA championship at heavyweight for the Cornhuskers in 1995. He was also a three-time Big Twelve champion. Thompson won three U.S. Open freestyle titles and was a member of two World teams, earning a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2005.
Thompson will be providing a free youth clinic in the Dan Gable Teaching Center located inside the Museum. The clinic will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 17 prior to the induction ceremony. Coaches and parents are welcome to attend.
The Kids Clinic is limited to the first 25 wrestlers who sign up. For more information or to sign up, contact Kent Sesker at (319) 233-0745 or kent@wrestlingmuseum.org.
Schedule of Events April 17
Saturday, April 17: Tolly Thompson Kids Clinic, 11 a.m. This clinic free clinic, limited to first 25 who sign up, includes a free tour of museum and admission to hall of fame inductions
Inductions to Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa, 1 p.m.
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