Mr. Steve Gabriel This is Me

Education

 Web References

1. 1. GoASU.com

   www.goasu.com/wrestling/coach/ - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/15/2008   Last Visited: 5/15/2008

   Mance wrestled for Steve Gabriel, a hall-of-fame wrestler and coach for ASU.

2. 2. The Mountain Times

   www.mountaintimes.com/mtweekly - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/20/2004   Last Visited: 5/21/2004

   For years, Steve Gabriel served not only as a beloved teacher and coach in Watauga County, but as a father figure to many of his students and athletes.
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   In recognition of his professional accomplishments, Steve Gabriel was nominated for placement in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, and inducted into the coveted position on Sunday evening, May 16, 2004.
   
   Inductees for 2004 into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, posing in their new green jackets: left to right Joe Jones, Frank Rader, J.W. Welborn, Jerry Winterton, Bob Mauldin, Steve Gabriel.
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   Gabriel was one of six inducted, ironically, but not surprisingly, along with one of his own former wrestlers who returned later as his assistant coach at ASU, Watauga native, J. W. Welborn.
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   Gabriel is best remembered, perhaps, for his contributions as a math teacher, football, wrestling and baseball coach at Appalachian High School from the early fifties through the mid-sixties, with the exception of two years when he served in the US Navy and the one year he taught in Hickory.
   
   Gabriel founded the Appalachian High School wrestling team and started a winning tradition in high school wrestling. Under his leadership, the team never lost a dual meet. They finished with a 140-0 record for the 13 years of the sport's existence, setting a national record for the most consecutive wins, which has since been broken, but may still be a state record. "We did something no other school has done. We retired unbeaten," Coach Gabriel stated. When the final count was taken, Appalachian High School boasted a grand total of 54 state champions, many of who were among the special guests at Coach's ceremony last week.
   
   After the end of an era as Appalachian High School closed its doors, Gabriel joined ASU as a wrestling coach, financial advisor and a P.E. instructor. During his nine years of coaching at the university, he compiled an impressive 92-21 record in dual match competition and was responsible for bringing Appalachian its first National Tournament during the 1970-'71 season. The NAIA wrestling tournament under Gabriel's direction was described by many of the participating coaches as "the best ever."
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   Steve Gabriel is credited as "a major contributor in the building of one of the largest and most prominent youth wrestling camps in the nation, which is still considered one of the finest." Gabriel accepted a full-time position as the university's Financial Director, serving from 1974-1989, in addition to teaching recreational dance and racquetball. He thought it was important for his students to meet the administration "in a different light," on a personal level, which in turn, gave him a chance to get to know his students better.
   
   In 1987, Gabriel was inducted into ASU's Athletic Hall of Fame and upon retirement in 1989, following 37 years of state employment, he was given the Governor's Award for Excellence.
   
   However, Gabriel's retirement did little to diminish his involvement with ASU and its students; his involvement with the university and the community in general continued for many years. His dance instruction continued at ASU, as well as throughout Watauga County; he loved calling square dances and did so on many occasions.
   
   As a member of Boone United Methodist Church, he served in numerous capacities, including as member of the board of trustees, superintendent of the youth department, member and president of the Methodist Men's Club. He served as president, vice-president and secretary of the Boone Jaycees, and also as president of the Optimist Club for two years. He was on the Little League Board for 14 years, coached little league and football for 16 years, played church league softball for 7years, and was a Boy Scout Master.
   
   Gabriel graduated from Lincolnton High School, where he was respected as a student, president of his freshman class, student government representative and vice-president, in addition to Who's Who In American High Schools. Very active in sports and other extra-curricular events, he was the recipient of the Block Smith Sportsman Trophy; played football and voted to All-Western Conference in 1948; played basketball, baseball and was a golden glove boxer. He later fought one professional fight, which ended in a draw.
   
   From 1949 - 1952, he came to Boone as a student at Appalachian State Teachers College, where he excelled in many areas. He was "Most Popular," received the coveted title of "Mr. Appalachian," "Friendliest" of his senior class. A member of the Physical Education Majors Club, member and treasurer of Men's "A" Club, he was an outstanding football player during his entire four years at ASU, lettering two years as the starting quarterback. He wrestled four years, (40-4-1 record), lettered three years, NCAAU Wrestling Champion two years. He was a Teague Award nominee and included in Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges. He received his BS degree in Mathematics and Physical Education, and his Masters in Education and Mathematics.
   
   In nominating Gabriel for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, former students, co-workers, family members and friends had much to say about him. "When ASU students were asked about persons who had made a difference in their lives, Steve Gabriel was one of the first persons they named," stated Barbara Daye, class of '59 and retired ASU faculty member.
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   Anyone who has met Steve Gabriel can say they have seen an angel.
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   Gabriel is not only respected at ASU and the surrounding community, but also received admiration and recognition throughout North Carolina as an outstanding financial aid administrator, educator, and coach. In financial aid, we are told that "two of many notable trademarks were his uncanny ability to find aid where no one else could, and his deep personal commitment to the students he helped." Mr. Gabriel took personal interest in each student and did everything in his power to help each one. This personal interest, his caring and working with individuals set him apart, and not only as a financial aid director, but as a person, as well. At the 1989 Annual NC Association of Financial Aid Administrators, Mr. Gabriel was honored/roasted good-naturedly by his colleagues, and was the first recipient of a special award given by the Learning Assistance Program.
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   As former ASU wrestler, Jim Whitmer, said, ‘He, (Coach Gabriel) was the type of guy who didn't have to say a whole lot and you wanted to work hard for him.' As his kids, we would beam with pride when someone found out that we are Steve Gabriel's kids. It was as though we were considered golden to be related to such an incredible person. I know that when we were little, nothing meant more to us than to make our father proud by doing our best at whatever we did. He has been a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather."
   
   Last year, Gabriel was inducted into the first ever Watauga County Sports Hall of Fame, an honor that Karen says, "Has meant a lot to him and to his family."
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   As Watauga County can agree, Steve Gabriel has been a wonderful coach, teacher, leader and a friend to many, and one who deserves this recognition . . .he's one, they say, that will never be forgotten for going the extra mile . . for putting others first . . and most of all, for caring.

3. 3. The Mountain Times

   www.mountaintimes.com/mtweekly - [Cached]

   Published on: 9/11/2003   Last Visited: 9/15/2003

   Those accepting awards at hall of fame induction ceremony included, from left, Mike Kelly, who received a special recognition award; inductee Jack Groce; John Hollar Jr., who accepted his father's induction award; Pam Matheson, who accepted her husband's induction award; inductee Sam Adams and inductee Steve Gabriel.
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   Guests gathered to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Sam Adams, Steve Gabriel, Jack Groce, John Hollar and Bob Matheson, who comprised the hall of fame's first class of inductees.
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   Gabriel graduated from Lincolnton High School in 1948 before coming to ASTC, where he lettered two years as starting quarterback on the football team and three years on the wrestling team.
   
   During his college wrestling career Gabriel compiled a 40-4-1 record while earning two NCAAU Championships.
   
   He went on to coach football, baseball and wrestling at AHS for 13 years. After founding the AHS wrestling team Gabriel guided the squad to a perfect 140-0 record and 54 state champions.
   
   Gabriel then compiled a 92-21 record as Appalachian State University's wrestling coach. He was inducted into ASU's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987 and received the Governor's Award of Excellence two years later.
   
   He also served on the little league board for 14 years and coached for 16 years.
   
   "That's what you call community service," said Lester Hardin, who presented Gabriel with the hall of fame induction plaque.
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   Groce also played on the ASTC football team with Gabriel and Hardin.