Dan Gable vs. Larry Owings: FULL 1970 NCAA title match at 142 pounds

Washington's Larry Owings knocked off Iowa State's Dan Gable for the 1970 NCAA championship at 142 pounds. It was Gable's first loss of his collegiate wrestling career. Watch the full match here.
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[@tenningale]

Technically speaking, it looks more like a really good high school match than a D-1 national final. Interesting to see how wrestling has evolved so much over the past 50+ years.

[@popscola2574]

There's nothing like wrestling, especially in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. The smell of the mats, the dimming of the auxillary gym or gym, the comradery, nostalgia, etc. It just has a sense of feeling that nothing else can give.

[@JesseStevenTrumm3992]

The evolution of talent from then until now is absolutely astounding

[@CaneFu]

After this loss, his only one ever, Dan Gable rededicated himself to training like no other wrestler ever had before or since. He worked out 7 hours per day, pushing himself every minute, it was obsessive behavior that we'll probably never see again.

[@coolie6898]

50 years ago..

[@tmzz3609]

Dan Gable goes on JRE............ 51 year old Dan Gable match trends on KZbin

[@sammcottone5927]

Incredible how far wrestling has come

[@VanishedPNW]

Few notes here. This version has had the frame rate corrected, as you'll see other versions of this same video moving in 24 frames per second which really slows the action down. The sport of wrestling has dramatically improved since this time, but these guys were still the best, and if given the chance to teleport to today, they just might be the best in today's time. The best are the ones that find a way to win, despite what adversity is thrown their way. Today, wrestlers at the NCAA D1 level are much bigger, faster wrestle with much more fluidity and are far superior technically to Owings and Gable. There are very few mistakes at the elite level now. There are lots of sloppy mistakes in this match. However, the biggest difference is the weight cutting. These guys are very sucked down. Owings' legs are gone a minute into the match. He's exhausted, even though he still is in great shape and can do short bursts, his body is drained. Severe weight cutting, while still around, is not nearly what it used to be. When I left the sport as a junior college freshman, the old system was still in play (but on the way out). When I came back to wrestle ten years later as a college sophomore, I was the lone dinosaur wearing the plastic suit sucking weight the old fashioned way. Since athletes are no longer "sucking" SO much weight, the matches are faster and the athletes are, too. They can push longer, harder and maintain a higher level of technique over that seven minutes.

[@johnnydrama8709]

Great match. Both guys are warriors. Couldn’t imagine the feeling Larry ownings felt this day.

[@CJACK-pz7mg]

My grandpa coached Larry owings and I got to meet him but I didn’t even know who he was 😭

[@Vincentarthur100]

It’s amazing how far wrestling has come technically

[@danmeme7740]

He was going off instinct rather then thinking too much which won him the match along with belief and determination.

[@chrissmith914]

They had contacts in the 70’s?! The more ya know! Haha

[@alanives8679]

A lotta ppl will be here from JRE. Figured I’d start the here from joe comments

[@lclement04]

People who say wrestling has evolved a lot in the past 40 years. Other than the low single and leg pass. Don’t know what they’re talking about. These guys are literally doing the same positions we do today. Not just that but the refs don’t stop positions as much allowing for more high pace and aggressive wrestling. Wrestling is the oldest sport of all time. Not too much that can change at this point.

[@TylerHaslam]

If I were Owings coach that would be the greatest achievement of my life. Having a wrestler beat dan gable

[@kiezersosay49]

Jesus this is the one gable match I decided to watch...its like when silva lost for the 1st time.

[@anopoabednego6173]

The difference in this match came down to Dan Gable making the HUGE mistake of choosing the top position. He had lost the 1st period, Owings had a little confidence, then allowing the escape boosted that confidence and Owings hit a shot that completely caught Gable off guard. I believe had Gable chosen the neutral position this match could have went much differently.

[@LordSky69]

world class match and amazing performance from both of them. This goes to show anyone can be beat. legendary bout 🤘🏼

[@williesnyder2899]

In my youth my father, from the Hawkeye state, told me of how Dan Gable trained. Dad’s dad had been a wrestler, though in college..