Dan Hodge (1932-2020)

 Dan Hodge was a true icon on and off the mat and was loved the world over.  His once-in-a-lifetime athletic achievements were only overshadowed by his humble, gracious and kind demeanor. 

 Dan Hodge was larger than life and a friend to all he met.  He was one of wrestling’s most recognized figures and one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.

Donations can be made at DanHodgeFoundation.com

DANNY HODGE

One of the most recognized and celebrated names in the history of wrestling, Hodge had his beginnings in Perry where he was an undefeated state champion in 1951. Just one year removed from high school, Hodge competed in the 1952 Olympics. In 1956, Hodge returned to the Olympics and was leading by a large margin in the finals when a controversial fall was called against him, resulting in the silver medal. Danny compiled an unparalleled record at the University of Oklahoma as he finished with an unblemished 46-0 record with 36 falls. He pinned 24 consecutive opponents and was never taken down during his college career! Hodge was a three-time national champion, pinning his opponent in all three finals and was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the National Tournament two times. Hodge is the only wrestler to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated (April, 1957). In 1958, Hodge won the Golden Gloves championship in boxing, becoming the first athlete to win national championships in both wresting and boxing. Hodge was inducted in the Helms Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame 1964 and inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. In 1976, Danny was inducted in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a charter member. In 1998, the Amateur Wrestling News named Danny to their all-time best amateur wrestling team prior to 1958. The Dan Hodge Trophy, wrestling's equivalent to the Heisman Trophy, is presented to the nation's best college wrestler each year.