Class of 2006

Dave Gannaway
Normal/I.H.S.A.

A 1971 graduate of Normal University High School, Dave Gannaway wrestled for Hall of Fame coach George Girardi. He
was a state qualifier his senior year at 145 pounds. He also played football in high school. Dave went to compete at Illinois State University under another Hall of Fame coach, Dr. Robert Koehler.

Upon graduation from ISU, he began teaching at Metamora Township High School as a building trades instructor. He also served as head wrestling coach and assistant football coach. During his head coaching tenure from 1976-1981 at Metamora he had a career coaching record of 43-36. Dave served as the assistant wrestling coach at Illinois State University from 1981 through 1984. During that time Dave moved back to his alma mater, U-High, as a Physical Education and Math teacher and assistant football coach. From 1984 through 1986 Dave was the head wrestling coach at U-High. He assumed the duties of Activities Director at U-High in 1986 and served in that capacity until 1994. At that time, Dave became Activities Director at Morton High School. He served as the Vice-President of the Redbird Wrestling Club from 1984 through 1990. In 1999 he was named to the position of Assistant Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association in charge of wrestling, football and the officials for all sports. He has been instrumental in developing the current curriculum for wrestling officials.

While at U-High, Dave served as the director of Illinois State University wrestling camps. From 1990 through 1996 he was the manager of the Dual Team State Tournament held at Redbird Arena for the I.H.S.A. He was the tournament manager for the NCAA West Regional held at Illinois State University. Dave was named IWCOA Administrator of the Year in 1992 and was selected by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association as A.D of the year in 1993. He served as President of the IADA. He has been a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations Wrestling Rules Committee since 2003 and will be that committee's Chair from 2006 through 2008.

Dave has been married to his wife, Noal, for thirty years and they have two married children. 2006 I.W.C.O.A. Hall of Fame Inductees