Chuck Grassley: “too many times in our world today we settle for mediocrity, we settle for just enough to get by. But today, I rise to…”

“too many times in our world today we settle for mediocrity, we settle for just enough to get by. But today, I rise to pay tribute to an Iowan who has never settled for anything less than excellence. I am referring to Dan Gable, head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. Dan recently announced that he will be taking a year off and turning his coaching duties to others. I think this is the right time to look at the impressive record of Dan Gable. Many of you may recognize Dan's name because of his legendary accomplishments in the sport of wrestling. Dan reached the very pinnacle of this sport in the late 1960's and has stayed there ever since. As a competitor, Dan compiled a nearly flawless record of 182-1 in his prep and college career. Dan was a three time all-American and three time Big Eight Champion. After college, Dan went on to win titles at the Pan American Games and world championships. Dan also demonstrated his superiority in wrestling when he won a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics. His accomplishments as a coach are no less stellar. Teams coached by Dan have an amazing 355-21-5 record. He has coached 152 all-Americans, 45 national champions, 106 Big Ten champions, and 10 Olympians, including four gold medalists. To say Dan is a living legend in his chosen field is not an overstatement. But even more admirable is how Dan has handled being at the top of his field for nearly 30 years.”