SOURCE: cornellsun.com

February 08, 2017

"Recognize opportunity," reads the Latin inscription on Gabe Dean's necklace that he always keeps close by his side. The two-time NCAA national champion and three time all-American has used these two words as a guide throughout his journey to the top of the collegiate wrestling world. Now a senior applied economics and management major and the heavy favorite to win a third consecutive national title in March, Dean's road is far from over.

Gabriel Curtis Dean was born in Eastern Michigan and spent the first few years of his life in a rural home as one of three children. As a young boy, he enjoyed running around outside, going fishing with his father and playing video games at home — just like any other kid.