The Dual

February, 1986. Dan Gable's Iowa Hawkeyes have been dominating college wrestling for nearly a decade. ISU's Jim Gibbons is in his first season at 26 years old. An unlikely hero gets their chance to prove their worth.

The Spladle Master faces The Flea for the 1st time. The Gibbons Brothers face stiff competition. #1 Iowa vs #2 Iowa State action continues at 126, 134, and 142. A 'Gable work-out' occurs during The Dual. Ref Phil Henning is faced with tough calls.

Childhood friends Royce Alger and Bill Tate face each other. Tate, who is in the best month of his ISU career, battles Alger, who goes on to become a 2x NCAA Champion. #1 vs #2 also face off at 150 with 4x All Americans Tim Krieger and Jim Heffernan.

The Hawks surge as Marty Kistler faces ISU's Mike VanArsdale in another match up of NCAA Champs. The Baltimore Butcher makes an appearance. National Champs clash at 190 with Goldman (Iowa) vs Voelker (Iowa State). The Dual is up for grabs.

Ed Banach proteges meet for the W. The Dual concludes, but the story continues. Sports Illustrated is in Ames with Ivan Maisel. The Van Ride presents a fork in the road. Frank Gifford interviews Dan Gable.

The coaches recap The Dual and everyone returns to recount additional events and stories from 1986. Lessons for a lifetime learned and carried forward.