Book Review: Oklahoma Shooter
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Here is the best thing I can say about Oklahoma Shooter: The Dan Hodge Story: the author (Mike Chapman) has such a great relationship with Hodge that at times it feels like you’re listening to a conversation more than a written piece.
What I mean by that is it doesn’t come off as contrived or “ghost-written” in any way. You could visualize Chapman talking with Hodge about these events every step of the way.
Chapman has known the Hodge family for more than 30 years and that gives him a lot of authority on Hodge’s life and combine that with his knowledge of amateur/professional wrestling, it made him the perfect person to write this book.
I had a chance to visit with Chapman and Hodge less than two months ago when Hodge was at JR’s Bar-B-Q restaurant in Moore for a book signing. The foreword is written by the WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross.
And the admiration from Hodge’s peers that litters this book was very prevalent on that day as well.
When you sit and talk with Hodge, it’s tough to imagine him as this legendary, dare I say iconic wrestling figure. He is such a gentle man (as pointed out several times in the book).
If you want to know about Hodge’s days as a high school, college, Olympic or professional wrestler, it’s in this book. If you want to know about his boxing days (where he was never paid for any bout), it’s here.
My favorite story is about Hodge wrestling a bear. I’ve heard a lot of Hodge stories over the years, but the bear one is new to me.
Not only did he wrestle the bear, he WANTED to wrestle the bear. And from the accounts, looks like Hodge had his way with the bear.
What Chapman does best I feel is give context to all of Hodge’s accomplishments in the various arenas.
It’s so tough to try to gauge how fighters of one era compare to fighters of another, but I feel Chapman through his knowledge and interviews with several of wrestling’s greatest superstars, gives a better picture in trying to decipher the best.
Hodge is very open on everything, good and bad. And thought it was interesting that Hodge himself wonders how he would have done in MMA if it was around in his day.
Many notable aficionados have said Hodge would clean up if MMA was around in his prime or if Hodge was in his prime today.
Hodge’s story has so many layers and there’s not one thing that sets him apart from most. It’s the collection of everything about who he is that has made him one of the most intriguing sports figures.
For anyone who wants to know about Hodge or wants a history on amateur and professional wrestling, Oklahoma Shooter isn’t a bad place to start.
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