The Man Who Made Iowa Wrestling

ideamark · 04-02-2008, 07:31 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/

Wiltz · 04-02-2008, 08:04 PM

Well April 3rd is Iowa Wrestling Day, according to Gov. Chet Culver. I guess we can share the day with the guy who started it all Frank Gotch.

ideamark · 04-02-2008, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Wiltz

Well April 3rd is Iowa Wrestling Day, according to Gov. Chet Culver. I guess we can share the day with the guy who started it all Frank Gotch.

From the message at the homepage of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute & Museum, I understand that the Iowa governor's proclamation is in regards to the fact that 100 years ago, Frank Gotch became the world wrestling champ... and put Iowa on the map in terms of wrestling. Without Gotch, Dan Gable would've become a pretty good swimmer or baseball player, and wrestling would be pretty much limited to YMCAs and Ivy League colleges.

M Richardson · 04-02-2008, 08:31 PM

Would a two hour match be three 40-minute periods?

pancake · 04-07-2008, 02:57 PM

Best of 3 falls or submissions,unlimited time.

ideamark · 04-07-2008, 04:55 PM

Pancake's right...

Originally, it was to be a best of three falls format... but, after nearly two hours of wrestling, George Hackenschmidt stopped wrestling, stood up straight from his crouch, and said to the referee and to Frank Gotch, "We shall declare this a draw, yes?" and the Iowan said something like, "No, we're still wrestling" and went back into action against the muscular "Russian Lion." Later Gotch said that he knew he had won the match when Hack asked for the draw -- that the champ was basically throwing in the towel.

A few minutes later, when Hack was about to be pinned, he said, "I surrender the title to you, Mr Gotch." The first fall was awarded to Gotch at 2 hours 3 minutes.

Hack did not come out for a second fall, so Gotch was declared the winner.

Three and half years later, the two met again in Chicago... two out of three falls. This time, Gotch put Hack's shoulders to the mat in two rather short rounds that, together, added up to less than a half-hour total. Hackenschmidt basically retired from wrestling after that Labor Day 1911 loss.

To read more about it http://revwrestling.com/articles/290...-Hackenschmidt

Mark

pancake · 04-07-2008, 07:51 PM

I highly recommend the book "Gotch".I didn't think I would relate to wrestling in that era.I couldn't put it down finished it in a day and a half,and I usually take a little time before I finish a book.

The Man Who Made Iowa Wrestling

Miscellaneous Wrestling