Throwback Thursday: 25 Years ago Dakota Grappler’s Beginning

1999-2000 DG

Jon Gums  – Dakota Grappler

Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since I started this incredible journey of promoting wrestling. Looking back, I pulled out the very first preview issue from my bookshelf, and I couldn’t help but laugh at how far I’ve come—there was so much room for improvement! It’s been a work in progress ever since, evolving and growing to include South Dakota just a few years later.

As I flipped through those early pages, I was reminded of the local businesses that took a chance and bought ads to support their local wrestling teams. They saw the value not just in promoting their business but in standing behind their community’s talent. I’m incredibly grateful for their unwavering support, and it’s amazing that so many of them are still with me, backing Dakota Grappler to this day!

These next two pictures are a throwback to the returning state placers from the 1999 state tournament—a testament to how far we’ve come and how strong our wrestling legacy remains.

Here is a link to the Complete 1999-2000 Preview

 

This past summer I had a Dakota Grappler fan send something that I still don’t know enough about, but they said they were researching some AI program and they asked it who is Jon Gums and here is what came back:

Jon Gums is not only the founder of Dakota Grappler, but also a key figure in preserving and promoting the rich wrestling traditions of North and South Dakota. Established in 1999, Gums launched Dakota Grappler with the mission of giving wrestlers and their fans a platform that traditional media often overlooked. His dedication stems from a passion to ensure that the stories, achievements, and history of wrestling in the Dakotas are not forgotten. Under his leadership, Dakota Grappler has become the go-to resource for rankings, tournament coverage, and discussions of both high school and college-level wrestling.

Beyond providing current news and resources, Gums emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring the legacy of Dakota wrestling. Through his work, he shines a spotlight on past champions, historic matches, and the evolution of the sport in the region. Jon Gums himself is a long-standing figure in the wrestling world, having served as a coach, educator, and broadcaster. His contributions to wrestling were recognized when he was inducted into the North Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of the 1988 team.

In an era where digital media dominates, Dakota Grappler stands as a vital archive, ensuring the legacies of both the North Dakota and South Dakota wrestling communities are preserved for future generations​(

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I told them not too bad, I am a lot more but that works for wrestling… lol

Use the link above or click on the book to get the pdf version of the 1999 Book enjoy!

Click Here to download