Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/99790
Historical Hawkeyes By Chris Brewer F or at least one day, the world's most famous arena was the new Home of the Hawkeyes. On Dec. 16, college wrestling invaded Madison Square Garden for the inaugural "Grapple at the Garden." Fourteen teams, including three of the top five teams in the country — Iowa, Oklahoma State and Ohio State — converged at The Garden for the first-ever collegiate wrestling dual meet in the 133-year history of the venue. Jackson filled the Garden on a number of separate occasions; as did John Lennon, who in 1974, shared the stage with Elton John in his final concert appearance prior to his death in 1980. A number of headlining events have rocked The Garden walls since the current location opened in 1968, and in the days leading up to the Hawkeyes' introduction — a who's who list of rock and roll superstars warmed the stage. "Madison Square Garden has a long and legendary history with collegiate athletics and we look forward to welcoming the finest collegiate wrestlers in the country," said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports, prior to the event. "There's no better way to host our first-ever collegiate wrestling meet than with these top universities with first-rate wrestling programs." The Garden hosted Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney and many others in the Concert for Sandy Relief on Wednesday, Dec. 12. It was a legendary event staged to benefit the Robin Hood Relief Fund and help the hundreds of thousands of New York City businesses damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. The Hawkeyes made college wrestling and MSG history with their duals against Bucknell and Hofstra. Their appearances put them among elite company considering the history of the selfproclaimed "World's Most Famous Arena." The "Grapple at the Garden" followed five days later with its own philanthropic event. Besides showcasing NCAA wrestling on the world's biggest stage, the "Grapple at the Garden" promoted "Beat the Streets," a wrestling program dedicated to developing and expanding youth wrestling in the New York City metropolitan area. Once considered the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden hosted the first Joe FrazierMuhammad Ali bout in 1971. In what was billed as the "Fight of the Century," the champion, Joe Frazier, retained his undisputed world heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Ali. The Garden stage was also previously occupied for sold-out performances by both The King and the King of Pop. Elvis Presley and Michael "New York City has always been a strong supporter of international wrestling and it's good that collegiate wrestling was able to share that stage," said UI head coach Tom Brands. "We're hopeful it does some good things for the future of the sport and the 'Beat the Streets' organization. "It was a big thrill for everyone involved in our program." 27