Epic Eight NCAA Wrestling Finals Matches

1982: Schultz (Oklahoma) over Banach (Iowa), 16-8

Iowa junior Ed Banach was on pace to become the first four-time NCAA Division I Champion, after winning national titles as a freshman and a sophomore. Mark Schultz of Oklahoma was the returning NCAA champion at 167 pounds, bumping up to 177 for the 1982 season.

One of the most highly anticipated bouts of all time started off with an early four-lead by the Hawkeye Banach. Trailing 10-8 in the third period, Banach and Schultz would tie up and as Banach tried to throw, Schultz stopped Banach and put him on his back for five points and in insurmountable 15-8 margin.

With riding time, Schultz handily defeated Banach.

2007: Perry (Iowa) over Hendricks (OK State), 4-3

Two-time defending champion Johny Hendricks of Oklahoma State had owned the series against Iowa’s Mark Perry in their individual matches at 165 pounds. 

One of those signature wins came in the 2005 NCAA finals, where Hendricks beat Perry 5-2. In the 2007 finals, with Hendricks coached by Perry’s uncle, John Smith, Hendricks would take a 2-0 lead in the third with a reversal, but Perry countered with a reversal of his own to tie the score with a minute to go.

Perry threw in legs and a deep half to get two nearfall points with 30 seconds left to give him a 4-2 lead. Hendricks would get free with under 10 seconds left, but didn’t have an opportunity to score late.