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ideamark · 04-02-2008, 08:31 PM

The man who made Iowa wrestling...

No, it's not Dan Gable. Or Tom Brands. Or Gary Kurdelmeier.

On April 3, 1908 -- one hundred years ago -- FRANK GOTCH put Iowa at the center of the wrestling universe.

This Iowa farmboy from Humboldt shocked the world by defeating the unbeaten world champion, George "the Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt in a two-hour match in Chicago that, in terms of worldwide news coverage, was comparable to today's Super Bowl or World Cup.

Gotch's achievement -- and his popularity -- helped launch organized amateur wrestling in the state of Iowa... and throughout the US. In the early 1900s, colleges and high schools were just starting to implement wrestling programs.

So, as we talk about wrestling, let's give a tip of the headgear to Frank Gotch...

Mark

> To learn more about Gotch and Hackenschmidt, and see photos of their 2 hour match in Chicago on April 3, 1908, visit this Yahoo group:
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group...Hackenschmidt/

> To read an article about the Gotch vs Hackenschmidt rivalry:
http://revwrestling.com/articles/290...-Hackenschmidt

> Hungry for more? There's a BRAND-e's a NEW book about these two men:
http://www.badassfightwear.com/

04-02-2008, 08:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
ideamark NCAA Champ Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cincinnati area Posts: 1,280 Tournaments Joined: 0 Tournament Wins: 0	The Man Who Made Iowa Wrestling The man who made Iowa wrestling... No, it's not Dan Gable. Or Tom Brands. Or Gary Kurdelmeier. On April 3, 1908 -- one hundred years ago -- FRANK GOTCH put Iowa at the center of the wrestling universe. This Iowa farmboy from Humboldt shocked the world by defeating the unbeaten world champion, George "the Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt in a two-hour match in Chicago that, in terms of worldwide news coverage, was comparable to today's Super Bowl or World Cup. Gotch's achievement -- and his popularity -- helped launch organized amateur wrestling in the state of Iowa... and throughout the US. In the early 1900s, colleges and high schools were just starting to implement wrestling programs. So, as we talk about wrestling, let's give a tip of the headgear to Frank Gotch... Mark > To learn more about Gotch and Hackenschmidt, and see photos of their 2 hour match in Chicago on April 3, 1908, visit this Yahoo group: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group...Hackenschmidt/ > To read an article about the Gotch vs Hackenschmidt rivalry: http://revwrestling.com/articles/290...-Hackenschmidt > Hungry for more? There's a BRAND-e's a NEW book about these two men: http://www.badassfightwear.com/ __________________ Peace www.RevWrestling.com Those who are ignorant of wrestling history are doomed...