COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA  –  Before taking the mat, Iowa Western Community College’s first-ever Reiver wrestling team will meet with its fans during a special fund-raising event Wednesday, October 26, at the Mid America Center. The Reivers and new head coach Josh Watts will welcome legendary Iowa Coach Dan Gable at their wrestling kickoff and dinner, to be held at the convention center on 1 Arena Way in Council Bluffs. Tickets for the event are $50 for adults and $25 for those 14 and under. Reservations by October 19 can be made by calling 712-325-3241. All funds raised from the dinner will be dedicated for IWCC’s wrestling program.

The name Dan Gable is synonymous with wrestling dominance in the state of Iowa. During his prep and college careers, Gable amassed an amazing 182-1 wrestling record. He was undefeated in 64 prep matches, and was 118-1 at Iowa State. His only defeat came in the NCAA finals his senior year. Gable was a three-time all-American and three-time Big Eight champion. He set NCAA records in winning and pin streaks.

As the University of Iowa’s all-time winningest wrestling coach from 1977 to 1997, Gable compiled a career record of 355-21-5, all at Iowa. He coached 152 All-Americans, 45 National Champions, 106 Big Ten Champions and 12 Olympians, including four gold, one silver and three bronze medalists. The Hawkeyes won 25 consecutive Big Ten championships, 21 under Gable as head coach and four while he was an assistant coach and administrator. He had a winning percentage of .932 and captured nine consecutive (1978-86) NCAA Championships. At the time that equaled the longest streak of national titles won by any school in any sport, and is also held by Yale golf (1905-13) and Southern Cal track (1935-43).

With the addition of the wrestling program, IWCC competes in 18 sports in Division I NJCAA. To learn more about IWCC athletics and the view the wrestling schedule, visit http://www.goreivers.com/.

(IWCC Press Release)