Frank Gotch

     

Profile

Iowa is known for many things, but it holds a very strong relationship to wrestling.  Some of the worlds best wrestlers are from Iowa, including Dan Gable and Cale Sanderson*.  Even wrestling entertainment competitors have come from Iowa, most famously Seth Rollins**.  However, the story of Iowa wrestling starts with Frank Gotch.  

Frank Gotch was a mixure of that "real" wrestling to the entertainment wrestling many of us know today.  From Humbolt, Iowa, Frank became the World Heavyweight champion in 1908 through 1913.  The 5 year reign is one of the longest reigns of that title.  He was the Hulk Hogan of the era, and would become so popular that when attending a Chicago Cubs game, the players would ask him for his autograph.  WWE inducted him into their HOF as a Legacy member.

* Other Iowa wrestlers with cards and medals: Terry Brands (U of I 2000 Bronze), Tom Brands (U of I 1996 Gold), and Nat Pendleton (Davenport, 1920 Silver).

** Other Wrestling entertainers from Iowa : Bob Backlund (Waldorf College), Bob Geigel (Algona), Lance Cade (Carroll), Sonny Onoo (Mason City), Jeremy Borash (Fort Dodge), Matt Bentley (Clinton),  Jessie Godderz(Rudd), and Big E (U. of Iowa)

Personal Notes

When building my personal checklist, I start off with all the possible cards.  However, with massive goals you need to set your expectations more reasonably.  So I typically remove cards with less than 100 copies, or and cards from before 1950.  Will I have cards from these eras or these low counts?  Well, yes but those are just icing on the cake.  Gotch has 4 pre 1950 cards, 7 under 100.  

Collection Notes

I have 1/16 (6%) Frank Gotch cards in my collection.  However, if I'm making my "achievable" checklist, I typically strip cards with less than 100 copies, or and cards from before 1950.  With those restrictions, I'm at 1/5 (20%).