Dan started his wrestling legacy as a stand out wrestler for Cleveland State University. His service career began as an official in 1988. Following a stint as an assistant coach at Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio. Dan made his way to become an assistant at Venice High School head coach. Throughout his career, Dan's teams have finished in the top 10 at the FHSAA Championships 10 times. While at Venice High School Dan coached 100 FHSAA qualifiers, 43 FHSAA place winners and 8 individual Champions. He amassed a dual meet record of 372 wins to only 68 defeats.