Dan Coates (announcer)

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Dan O. Coates (April 9, 1910 - March 15, 1998), born in Fort Worth, Texas, was best known as television commentator for that city's professional wrestling shows on KTVT's Main Event Wrestling (which became known as Saturday Night Wrestling in the 1970's, and Championship Sports in the '80s) from the mid-1960's until 1976, when he was replaced by longtime sports broadcaster Bill Mercer.

In addition to wrestling, Coates was also the official announcer for the annual Golden Gloves boxing tournament in Fort Worth and the Kowbell Indoor Rodeo in Mansfield, Texas. He served as announcer for numerous other rodeos throughout the U.S. as well.

Perhaps the best-remembered pro wrestling incident involving Coates occurred during late 1970, when veteran heel wrestler Wladek "Killer" Kowalski tore off Coates' toupee on-camera during a heated interview. His catchphrases included, "This has been one whale of a match!" and his traditional sign-off: "Until next week, this is your ringside announcer Dan Coates wishing you a very pleasant good night...God bless you all."

Coates died at his ranch in Weatherford, Texas from complications of Parkinson's disease. His son Dan Walton Coates, a prominent Western artist and sculptor, died in his saddle during a West Texas trail ride in April 2005.