Kelly Ward vs Pete Galea 1976 ISU Cyclone Alumni Dual

Back in the good old days, college wrestling saw things such as Alumni Dual Meets in front of packed houses of rabid wrestling fans.

In 1976, Ames Iowa's famed Hilton Coliseum (just 5 years old at the time) home of the Iowa State Cyclones saw an interesting match up of two Cyclone wrestling legends when Big 8 Conference wrestlings first 4 time Conference Champ and 2 time NCAA All American locked horns with young upstart sophomore by the name of Kelly Ward.

Ward contended with the unorthodox style of Galea to come out on top in what some call his first 'signature win'.

Check out legendary Hall of Fame Coach Harold Nichols giving the young Ward instructions in a match where you will see Ward donning white shoes and high with socks popular back in 1976. Ward went on to don his signature black four stripe Onitsuka Tigers in later years.

Fan favorite from his electrifying style Pete Galea gets last minute encouragement mat side prior to the bout from none other than ISU Grad Assistant Coach at the time... Dan Gable.

Other Interesting Notes:

Galea had just come off a dominating win over Wisconsin's Lee Kemp a few day's prior to this match at the Northern Open.

There are some great shots of other Cyclone Wrestling legends being honored that night sitting mat side throughout.

Cumberland, Wisconsin and Wi-Stout State's Silver (1972 Munich) and Gold (1976 Montréal) Olympic Medalist, World Silver (1971 San Diego) and Bronze (1973 Tehran) Medalist John Peterson refereed this match. John Peterson's brother Ben was a 2 Time NCAA Champ for Iowa State, in addition to winning Gold (1972 Munich) and Silver (1976 Montréal) in the Olympics and World Bronze (1973 Tehran) respectively.

Iowa Public Television Broadcast announcers play by play Doug Brown (R.I.P. 1936-2002) and color Dave Harty (R.I.P. 1935-2010).

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Kelly Ward
• Peter Galea
• Iowa State Wrestling
• Dan Gable
• Harold Nichols
• Cyclone Wrestling
• Classic College Wrestling
• ISU Wrestling
• NCAA Wrestling
• Iowa State Cyclones

[fitzyfitz1111]

Seriously cool footage...whete the heck did you get this

[BeInSession6]

Pete! We love you! Stevens Ducks!