Dan Gable began his college wrestling career at Iowa State University in 1968, where he became a two-time NCAA National Champion. The following year Gable would become a U.S. Freestyle National Champion.

After graduating from ISU, Gable would go on to become the World Freestyle Champion in the 68 kg category at Sofia, Bulgaria. In 1972, Gable joined the U.S. Olympic wrestling team where he won a gold medal.

In 1976, Gable became the head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. Gable led the team to an NCAA title for a record nine straight years. Gable coached 152 all-Americans, 45 national champions, 106 Big Ten Champions, and 12 Olympians.

Gable was first honored as Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1993, and in 1997 he led his team to its 17th NCAA title. In 2000, Gable coached the United States Olympic Team in freestyle wrestling for the third year.