The Morgan family is being recognized for their tremendous accomplishments in wrestling, specifically in the Greco-Roman discipline. A family of 12 kids, six boys and six girls, Jim passed along his boxing and wrestling skills to his boys.
“It's a great honor,†said Jim Morgan, father of the family. “I look forward to attending this event.â€
Jim was one of eight boys in his family growing up in South Dakota where they had a boxing ring in their back yard. It's no coincidence all of the Morgan siblings were tough individuals. Jim became a barnstorming professional wrestler after leaving the Navy, spending over 20 years traveling the country. He took on all comers and worked with the likes of legendary wrestlers Red Bastein and Henry Korrum.
John, Gordy and Marty – sons of Jim and Olive - won a combined 10 national Greco-Roman titles. They also competed in two Olympics and nine World championships.
The Morgan brothers excelled in folkstyle wrestling prior to gaining fame in the Greco-Roman style. They combined for nine collegiate All-American honors; with John winning an NCAA Division II title at North Dakota State University and Marty winning NCAA championships for both NDSU and University of Minnesota.
Jim and Olive's three oldest sons were boxers, all turning professional, including Danny Morgan, who twice fought for a world title.
“Boxing and wrestling were something we grew up with,†said Jim. “If you didn't do it, there must be something wrong with you.â€
Alan and Gloria Rice, namesakes of the hall of champions, have been instrumental to the success of Greco-Roman wrestling in the United States. Alan Rice was a Big Ten champion and All-American for the University of Minnesota. In 1956 he won national titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle. He also competed at the 1956 Olympics and coached the 1972 Greco-Roman Olympic team.
He and his wife, Gloria, helped form the Minnesota Wrestling Club. The Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman Hall of Champions occupies a significant wing in the Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo.
Olympic and World champion Rulon Gardner will be inducted into this elite Hall. Gardner joins the inaugural 2009 class of Olympic champions Steve Fraser and Jeff Blatnick and World champions Mike Houck, Dennis Hall and Joe Warren.
Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a reception, followed by dinner at 7:00 and awards ceremony at 8:00.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online at www.dgm-nwhof.ticketleap.com or by calling the Dan Gable Museum at 319-233-0745.
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