The recognition is meaningful. Wrestling has often struggled in the shadows and to have someone like Coach Gable determined to have provided the United States with a "meritorious contribution" to the "cultural or other significant public or private endeavors" is a powerful moment in our sports history. Leaders of nations like India, Turkey, and Mongolia go to great lengths to ensure recognition for their folkstyle wrestlers, largely because they are seen as keepers of a past time -- humans who can tell the stories of the nation and embody its principles.
Most would agree that Dan Gable has had a tremendous impact on the sport of wrestling in America. When you look at young wrestlers across the United States you can almost see the focus of Gable's eyes in their stares. The head-slapping, the post-match sprints, the grueling sauna sessions -- all harken back to the images of Gable, eye bandaged, standing almost-joyless atop the podium in Munich.
The intensity of his on-the-mat wrestling style was transferred to his coaching style, which helped his teams secure 15 NCAA titles while the head coach at the University of Iowa. Arguably that work did more to promote and multiply his death-before-dishonor type of leadership than his years at Iowa State winning titles on the collegiate mat. Like a father he sent off yearlings to grow and mature under his style. To name the number of coaches born from his coaching tree would feel almost futile -- Gable is on a third generation of coaches and the impact of his teaching expands annually.
Yes, Gable was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in October of 2020 as a means to influence voter turnout. But ultimately, the politics of the day should only be footnote for an honor that correctly recognizes Gable's oversized impact on the sport of wrestling as a coach and wrestler in the United States.
Congrats to Coach Gable and all who have benefited from his influence.
To your questions …
Andrew Alirez takes down Yahya Thomas in the semifinals of Senior Nationals (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com)Q: Who impressed you the most at Senior Nationals in each of the three styles?
-- Mike C.
Foley: I was off-the-grid and wasn't able to watch the Senior Nationals live, but in reviewing the weekend I think a hat tip to Andrew Alirez feels appropriate. While the United States has been overall disappointing at 65 kilograms, its plain to see that it's the most competitive weight inside the nation. For Alirez to top that field is quite the accomplishment.
The injury to Snyder is a little concerning for fans of the 2016 Olympic gold medalist. I don't suspect it's an entirely severe injury, and a setback now is certainly not a season-ender, but I'm ever-more interested in the Olympic Team Trials and how this will impact his expected matchup with J'den Cox.
On the women's side it was nice to see Sarah Hildebrandt at 50 kilograms and to see Adeline Gray win her 100th (or so) Senior Nationals title. As a side note, Adeline is a first ballot Hall of Famer in both the United States and with United World Wrestling. To win five world championships is an American record and I think she has an Olympic gold on the way.
For Greco-Roman it was seeing Alan Vera in the USA singlet. He's cleared to compete at the World Championships but isn't yet cleared for takeoff with the IOC for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Q: Do you think the United States will send a team to the Senior World Championships? If so, how will the world team be determined?
-- Mike C.
Foley: I'm always happy to share my thoughts, but for this one it's tough for me to have anything like an objective opinion, so I'll share the main arguments for/against:
For: The United States is experiencing the largest outbreak of COVID in the world and yet USA Wrestling held Senior Nationals last weekend with no testing prior to competition. Competitors flew in, trained together, competed, and then flew out. Isn't the likelihood of infection GREATER from that event than from a worldwide event? Isn't the boogeyman already IN the house?
Against: Should someone contract COVID and immediately show life-threatening symptoms how will they be taken care of in Serbia? Also, the return for that individual (or anyone who tests positive) would be two weeks before they could return home. There will likely be testing on arrival, and that testing will almost certainly find COVID positive people, which is a good thing. However, what impact will that have on those who have been in touch with that individual. Overall, is the juice worth the squeeze?
Q: Is there a world where Zahid upsets JB? Regardless, how do you see the match going?
-- Ethan S.
Foley: No world. Zahid can be a challenge and wrestling up a weight might be concerning for some, but I don't think Burroughs is at risk of being caught underneath, thrown, or bullied on the edge. Also, Zahid is far too tall to clear his midsection from double attacks with even 75 percent success.
Q: What are your thoughts on the NCAA granting winter athletes an additional season? Was it the right decision? What are some possible ramifications?
-- Mike C.
Foley: Fine decision, but why not extend it to those seniors who lost their eligibility and ability to compete for an NCAA title in 2020? That seems fair, though I think that extending it backwards creates a myriad issue with scholarships, enrollment, and other more minor details.
The big question is what NCAA institutions will do now that they have the exemption to be under the allotted number of programs to remain Division I eligible as an institution. When I read that I heard blades sharpening around the country.
MULTIMEDIA HALFTIME
Link: Dan Gable: Creating a modern blueprint for wrestling
A tribute to a great man: Greg Strobel
Greg Strobel induction video
Q: Tulsa, Kansas City, Philadelphia, and Cleveland were chosen as the locations for the NCAA Division I Championships from 2023-2026. Thoughts?
-- Jon D.
Foley: I'm happy for each of the cities and the schools who will be hosting the events. Tulsa seems like the newest (and riskiest) of the choices given the number of flights that will needed to accommodate the 20,000 visitors to the city. I remember the number of flights being an issue in Oklahoma City in 2006, but I suppose everyone eventually got home.
Kansas City is fine, too. Could be a nice place to visit and has capacity. Cleveland will be awesome for fans coming in from the Midwest AND the WPIAL!
The best choice is Philadelphia. Great transportation options, wrestling culture in the area, and plenty of press able to cover. Restaurants, bars, and hotels are also all world class.
Q: Greg Strobel passed away last week. Seemed like a beloved figure in the wrestling world. Any memories of him or stories to share?
-- Mike C.
Foley: My interactions with Coach Strobel were limited, but I remember his voice always adding kindness to the conversation. He seemed positive and encouraging, where sometimes coaches can take out larger frustrations on their athletes he seemed to shield them from unnecessary negativity.
In reading noted from his former wrestlers and colleagues, Strobel seemed to be the type of coach that athletes respected enough to talk to with ease, and like Coach Gable has a nice coaching tree, including Pat Santoro.
Santoro was probably closest to Strobel and had a few words to share after his death, as posted on LehighValleyLive.com:
"I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around Greg's passing," said current Lehigh head wrestling coach Pat Santoro, who served as an assistant under Strobel for eight seasons, and eventually was named his successor following Strobel's retirement in 2008. "He was a man so full of life and has been a part of mine for many years. He was a great mentor coach, and friend.
"Greg lived an amazing life and accomplished so much. "He made such a positive impact on the sport of wrestling and an even greater impact on his wrestlers. He loved to teach, whether it was wrestling, fishing or woodworking, and was good at it. He always taught great habits to and shared wisdom with his teams … things they will remember and use the rest of their lives. His energy and positive attitude were unrivaled by anyone I know."
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now