Dan Gable earns 'character counts' honor

Former University of Iowa wrestling coach, Iowa State NCAA champion and Waterloo West state champion Dan Gable was named the 2014 recipient of the 2014 Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award, according to an announcement Tuesday morning in Des Moines.

The award is named after the former Iowa governor, and is presented to individuals who consistently demonstrate good character as visible role models. Gable served an important role in helping wrestling remain in the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games as a provisional sport after the International Olympic Committee voted to remove the sport from the Olympic Games core programme this year.

According to the UI Sports Information Department news release, other winners are Fred Hoiberg, Aaron Kampman, Dallas Clark, Shawn Johnson, Norman Borlaug, and Coach Ed Thomas (posthumously).

Gable, a 1972 Olympic champion, is expected to receive the honor during a celebration in April.

The UI SID news release:

Dan Gable Named 2014 Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award Recipient

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Former University of Iowa head wrestling coach Dan Gable is the 2014 recipient of the Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award. Character Counts In Iowa made the announcement Tuesday from the Iowa Hall of Pride in Des Moines.

The Ray Awards are presented to individuals who consistently demonstrate good character as visible role models. The honor reflects former Governor Robert D. Ray's lifelong commitment to civility and character development.

Past recipients include Fred Hoiberg, Aaron Kampman, Dallas Clark, Shawn Johnson, Norman Borlaug, and Coach Ed Thomas (posthumously).

Gable will accept the award on April 11, 2014 at Character Counts In Iowa's All-Star Evening in West Des Moines, Iowa.