By KEVIN EVANS, Executive Sports Editor
CEDAR FALLS – If enthusiasm and want could carry a project, the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum would be up and running on Jefferson Street.
It’s not.
The target date of Nov. 15 for making a decision on the move from Newton to Waterloo has come and gone.
That doesn’t mean the project is dead. In fact, it is alive and well and being approached on a more realistic basis.
It was probably a fantasy that $750,000 could be raised in six weeks’ time without more concrete plans on paper for people to see.
Museum founder Mike Chapman compares that original goal to the way Gable used to set goals before each season when he was coaching at Iowa.
“We didn’t make that deadline, but that was just a deadline, sort of like Gable saying he wanted 10 NCAA champions, “said Chapman. “That was just a goal. I thought we might be able to at least know it was a done deal. It is not disappointing, it just made us realize there has to be more spade work done.”
That’s just what the East Waterloo graduate has been doing.
He estimates he has been back to Waterloo at least 10 times since the Oct. 5 kickoff meeting at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.
He can’t say enough about the cooperation and encouragement he’s received from Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley.
“We have regrouped several times, “he said. “I am more optimistic than I ever have been. We had a terrific meeting, and I would like to say that was the total turning point. It looks extremely favorable.”
The biggest thing, Chapman thinks, was finding a point man locally.
Waterloo businessman Bob Buckley, president of Kirk Gross Co. and a former wrestler at West High, has agreed to spearhead things. Legendary wrestling coach Bob Siddens has agreed to be the honorary chairman.
“We’ve been looking for a point man in Waterloo, someone with community respect and a great reputation, “said Chapman. “Bob Buckley is that man.
“I think within 90 days or less, we can have finalization. I am quite optimistic we will relocate here, but it’s not a done deal. Still, I am optimistic.”
Part of the time Chapman has spent here has been in the Jefferson Street building that would house the museum. There are plans on paper for the layout, and just as important, there are plans on paper for how to get the project done.
“We’re made a lot of progress in terms of organization, “said Chapman. “We’ve set concrete goals and objectives with timelines. We’ve begun networking, and I really feel the enthusiasm level is higher than ever.
“We’ve made tremendous progress. All kinds of individuals and groups have stepped forward to offer in-kind services, financial support and encouragement.”
For the city’s part, Hurley has not lost any enthusiasm.
“We have a plan now, and I believe it’s in the right hands, “said Hurley. “There is a natural amount of frustration, but I believe we needed to step back and get better organized. I am still behind this 100 percent.”
Wrestling Gear
