1987 College Wrestling: Bill Kelly, Iowa State vs John Regan, Iowa 126 pounds

During the 1986–1987 college wrestling season, Bill Kelly (Iowa State) and John Regan (Iowa) competed in the 126-pound weight class and met during high-stakes dual meets between the two rivals. Match History (1986–1987) While Kelly is most famous for his 1987 NCAA Championship win over Iowa's Brad Penrith, he faced John Regan during the regular season dual meets when Penrith moved up a weight class or was otherwise out of the lineup. February 21, 1987 Dual Meet: In a dual held in Iowa City, Bill Kelly (ranked No. 2 nationally) defeated John Regan by an 8–5 decision. This win helped Iowa State jump to an early 6–0 lead in a meet that eventually ended in an 18–18 tie. Previous Encounter: During the 1987 season, the two wrestlers also recorded a draw in an earlier meeting. Context: The 1987 NCAA Title Race The rivalry between Kelly and the Iowa lineup was a centerpiece of the 1987 season, which saw Iowa State finally end Iowa's nine-year national title streak. Bill Kelly's Achievement: Kelly went on to win the 1987 NCAA Individual Title at 126 pounds. The "Spladle" Pin: In the 1987 NCAA finals, Kelly famously pinned Iowa's defending champion Brad Penrith using a "spladle" move at the 6:31 mark. This pin was the critical victory that secured the team national championship for the Iowa State Cyclones over the Hawkeyes.