He was a pioneer, not only of wrestling techniques but also of wrestling tradition. From Oklahoma State University, where his coaching achievements were unparalleled, Ed Gallagher's influence spread across the nation. Long after his death in 1940, the torch was carried onward by Gallagher's pupils, who became great coaches in their own right .

As a collegian, Gallagher excelled in football and track. He was clocked once in 9.8 seconds while winning the 100-yard dash in the Southwest Conference meet, and his 99-yard run in the Kansas State football game that same year, 1908, still stands as the OSU school record.

He earned his degree in electrical engineering, but chose a career of coaching football and track and teaching physical education. He remained at his alma mater several years, then went to Baker University in Kansas. In 1916, he returned to Oklahoma State as director of athletics.

Gallagher introduced scientific wrestling to gym glasses and put his first varsity team on the mat that year. He applied his engineering knowledge of leverage and stress to the development of more than 400 wrestling holds. He was the first to organize systematic practice situations, and he devoted close attention to diet and training methods.

In 23 years of coaching, Gallagher produced 19 undefeated teams. His wrestlers won 138 dual meets, tied four and lost only five. During the 10 years prior to 1932 his teams scored 70 consecutive victories.

When the NCAA tournament was inaugurated in 1928, halfway through his coaching career, Gallagher's wrestlers won four of the seven individual titles, earning recognition as the first championship team. Competing in 13 national meets, Gallagher's teams reigned supreme 10 times and shared an 11th title. Along the way, they won 37 individual NCAA titles, 32 National AAU crowns, and three Olympic gold medals.

As one of the great coaches in the history of the sport, Edward Clark Gallagher is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.