Daniel Dennis, a native of Grant, Illinois, was a two-time Illinois state finalist for Grant Community High School while also winning two conference titles. He had a career record of 153-28 and set school records for most wins, most technical falls, and most team points earned.

Dennis was a two-time All-American for the University of Iowa, finishing seventh in 2009 and second in 2010.

After not wrestling for several years, Dennis returned to the mat and demonstrated his perseverance by earning the opportunity to wrestle for the United States in the 2016 Rio de Janiero Olympics. He was also a University Nationals Freestyle champion and won both the Grand Prix of Germany and the Grand Prix of Spain.

Dennis is currently the head coach of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club.