Mark Dollins got to share part of a weekend with his childhood wrestling hero Dan Gable… then shared that experience with InterMat readers.
In a story posted at the amateur wrestling website Sunday, Dollins told about being one of two winners of the “Ultimate Dan Gable Experience” eBay online auction fundraiser for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
Dollins, a corporate communications consultant who still wrestles in veteran tournaments, told InterMat senior writer Mark Palmer about Gable’s lifelong impact on his life, starting four decades ago as a kid watching the Munich Olympics on a black-and-white TV.
“I remember watching him wrestle at the ’72 Olympics,” Dollins told InterMat. “Even as an eleven-year-old, I was mesmerized by his drive and competitive spirit. I couldn’t imagine being so passionate and driven. It was very impactful for me – I remember that he wasn’t scored upon. Even my friends who aren’t wrestling fans are impressed by that feat.”
Dollins and his wife Angie were one of two winners of the auction (the other was a Wisconsin father of twins) which was dream experience for any fan of Dan Mack Gable. Among the highlights: a personal tour of the Gable house by the 1972 Olympic gold medalist, Iowa State mat champ and legendary University of Iowa head coach himself, and tickets to the Iowa-Penn State dual meet at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. (Iowa knocked off the defending NCAA team titlewinners, 22-16, at the Feb. 2, 2013 event.)
Are you a fan of Dan the Man? Check out his official website... and unofficial Fans of Dan Gable Yahoo group with photos and info. And read about Mark Dollins' experience at InterMat.
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