International Wrestling Institute and Museum

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George Tragos/Lou Thesz
Hall of Fame Inductions
Class of 2004
The inductions for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame were held on July 30-31, with big crowds and an overflowing of emotion.

Inducted were Gene Kiniski, Brad Rheingans, Pat O’Connor and LeRoy McGuirk.

Big Gene flew in from Blaine , Washington , accompanied by his two sons, who looked like they could step in the ring and go at any second. Gene, who was NWA world heavyweight champion and AWA champion in the 1960s, looked in terrific shape, as well.

Brad Rheingans, who currently works for New Japan, was a big attraction for the fans, and brought some of his amateur world medals for display in the museum. Brad was third in the World Championships in 1979 and made two Olympic teams before turning professional.

The three daughters of Pat O’Connor were also here and did a terrific job of mingling with fans who wanted to talk about their legendary father. And Hall of Famer Dan Hodge represented the family of LeRoy McGuirk. It was LeRoy who got Dan started in the pro game four decades ago.

:: Frank Gotch Award ::

George Scott received the Frank Gotch Award and was introduced at the banquet by his friend Bill Murdock, a member of the museum’s board of directors and author of the new book BRISCO. George is a very worthy recipient of the big award and said he and his wife loved the museum.

“On the Mat” is a weekly wrestling radio program that airs every Wednesday night. The broadcast can be heard live from 6-7 p.m. Central Standard Time. The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, hosts the show.

“On the Mat” can be heard live on the Internet at www.kcnzam.com or locally in Northeast Iowa on 1650, The Fan. Feel free to e-mail radio@wrestlingmuseum.org with questions or comments about the show.
Click here for archived shows.

Weekly news, commentary and insight. (continued)

Museum Information
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission:
$5 for adults
$3 for students (17 and under)
Children 6 and under are free


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Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum • 303 Jefferson St. • Waterloo, IA • 50701
319.233.0745 • 319.233.3477 fax • info@wrestlingmuseum.org
Copyright © 2008 The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum