NEW YORK, N.Y. (12/2/02) ­ Wrestling legend Dan Gable will deliver the keynote address at Columbia University's 100th Anniversary of Collegiate Wrestling Celebration Banquet on Feb. 8, 2003. The banquet, the centerpiece of the celebration, is black-tie optional and will be held in Columbia's historic Low Library following the Lions' dual against Ivy League-rival Princeton.

"To have an icon the caliber of Dan Gable speaks volumes about the celebration," said Columbia head wrestling coach Brendan Buckley. "He is an incredible ambassador for wrestling and for collegiate athletics in general."

Dan Gable first gained acclaim as a collegiate wrestler at Iowa State University where he won 99 straight matches, with a NCAA record-string of 25 pins in a row.  His only defeat came in the NCAA finals his senior year. Gable was a two-time NCAA champion, three-time All-American and three-time Big Eight champion.

Gable dominated the 1972 Olympics en route to a gold medal. The wrestling legend did not allow a single point. Following his gold medal exploits, Gable would become a coaching legend at the University of Iowa. During his tenure, Gable amassed a career mark of 355-21-5. The legend coached the Hawkeyes to 17 NCAA team titles and 24 consecutive Big Ten championships. His wrestlers earned 45 NCAA individual titles and All-American status 152 times. In addition, Gable twice served as the U.S. Olympic head coach.

The celebration commemorates the nation's first collegiate dual meet held in 1903. Columbia and Yale battled in the center of the Morningside campus in that historic match-up. This year's squad currently is 0-1, following its season opener against East Stroudsburg.

For information or to reserve tickets for the 100th Anniversary of Columbia Wrestling Banquet, call the Columbia University Office of Communications at 212-854-7064 or go on-line at www.GoColumbiaLions.com.