Ed Gallagher:

The Innovator Who Built a Wrestling Dynasty at Oklahoma State

Edward Clark Gallagher, born on September 5, 1887, in Perth, Kansas, is a name synonymous with excellence in the world of collegiate wrestling. Known as the "Knute Rockne of the Mats," Gallagher's legacy is firmly cemented at Oklahoma State University (OSU), where his innovative coaching techniques not only revolutionized the sport but also set the foundation for OSU's unparalleled wrestling success. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on Stillwater and continue to attract wrestling enthusiasts from around the nation.

Ed Gallagher in his Oklahoma A&M Track Uniform

A Star Athlete Turned Visionary Coach

Gallagher's journey at Oklahoma A&M College (now OSU) began not as a coach but as an exceptional athlete. A standout in track and football, Gallagher made his mark by winning the Southwest Conference 100-yard dash in just 9.8 seconds and scoring a legendary 99-yard touchdown against Kansas State in 1908. After graduating in 1909 with a degree in electrical engineering, Gallagher briefly left Stillwater to coach at Baker University in Kansas. However, his alma mater soon called him back, and in 1915, he returned to Oklahoma A&M as athletic director—a decision that would change the course of OSU athletics forever.

Ed Gallagher on the Oklahoma A&M Track Team Gallagher is in the center

Pioneering a New Era in Wrestling

Though wrestling was not initially part of Gallagher’s athletic repertoire, his engineering background and analytical mind led him to innovate in the sport in ways that had never been seen before. Appointing himself as the wrestling coach in 1916, Gallagher applied his knowledge of leverage, stress, and anatomy to develop over 400 wrestling holds. His scientific approach to training and emphasis on diet, systematic practice, and rigorous physical conditioning transformed his teams into formidable opponents on the mat.

Ed Gallagher Coaching Wrestlers

Under Gallagher’s leadership, the Oklahoma A&M wrestling program quickly rose to dominance. Four of Gallagher’s wrestlers won the national titles in the first ever NCAA wrestling championship. His teams went on to win 11 of the first 13 NCAA wrestling championships, a testament to his coaching prowess. Nineteen of his 23 seasons ended with undefeated records, and his overall dual-meet record stood at an astounding 138-5-4. The Cowboys also claimed 32 national Amateur Athletic Union championships and produced three Olympic gold medalists during his tenure.

Ed Gallagher with his Four Wrestlers Who Won the First NCAA Championship

Ed Gallagher and the Four Wrestlers Who Won The First NCAA Championship

The Birth of Gallagher Hall

Gallagher's influence extended beyond the wrestling mat. His success and leadership as athletic director were key factors in the construction of a new fieldhouse on the Oklahoma A&M campus in 1938. Initially named the 4-H Clubs and Student Activities Building, it was soon dubbed Gallagher Hall in his honor, reflecting his profound impact on the university. Known as the "Madison Square Garden of the Prairie," this arena became a hallowed ground for wrestling fans and continues to serve as a monument to his legacy.

Gallagher Hall Historic Photo Gallagher Day Program Cover

Gallagher Hall opened on February 3, 1939 with a wrestling match against Indiana. The event was dubbed Gallagher Day and honored Ed Gallagher.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite battling Parkinson’s disease in his later years, Gallagher continued to coach until his passing on August 28, 1940, at the age of 53. His funeral was fittingly held in Gallagher Hall, where the large crowd reflected the deep respect and admiration he had earned over his career. Gallagher’s influence did not end with his death; his methods and philosophy of wrestling continued to inspire future generations of coaches and athletes. His successors at OSU, including Art Griffith and Myron Roderick, carried the torch, furthering the wrestling dynasty that Gallagher had built.

Ed Gallagher in his Office at OSU

National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Today, Gallagher-Iba Arena stands as a tribute to this remarkable coach, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, located in Stillwater, serves as a reminder of his contributions to the sport. Edward C. Gallagher’s name is forever etched in the annals of wrestling history, not only as a coach but as a pioneer who elevated collegiate wrestling to new heights. His legacy continues to draw visitors to Stillwater, where they can explore the rich history of OSU athletics and pay homage to the man who made it all possible.