130 years ago today -- April 27, 1878 -- Frank Alvin Gotch was born on a farm outside Humboldt, Iowa. He was world wrestling champion from 1908-1913. His superstar popularity and the publicity surrounding his April 3, 1908 upset of the champ George "the Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt helped pave the way for organized amateur wrestling in the US. (Many HS and college programs can trace their roots to this era... including the University of Iowa, whose program began in 1911.)
So, happy birthday, Iowa Plowboy!
Mark
PS For more info, visit wrestling historian Mike Chapman's website
www.frankgotch.com... and my Yahoo group
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group...Hackenschmidt/
Happy Birthday Frank Gotch! 
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