Oklahoma State University Athletics
Former Wrestlers Remember Gallagher-Iba Arena
February 04, 2014 | Cowboy Wrestling
Feb. 4, 2014
STILLWATER, Okla. – No venue in America has a richer wrestling tradition than Gallagher-Iba Arena, home of Oklahoma State wrestling since 1939. In its beginning as Gallagher Hall, the gymnasium was named for Edward Clark Gallagher, the Oklahoma A&M wrestling mentor who became the greatest coach of his time.
The 1987-88 season brought a new look and a new name to the hallowed hall. When renovations were completed in January 1988, it was renamed Gallagher-Iba Arena to honor the late Mr. Henry P. Iba, Oklahoma State's legendary basketball coach.
Since wrestling began in Gallagher-Iba Arena, the Cowboys have won 25 NCAA titles and have had 40 unbeaten and untied campaigns at home. One of their longest winning streaks ran with the arena's opening in 1939 and lasted until Feb. 16, 1951. During that period, Oklahoma State won 37 straight home duals, including no ties.
On Feb. 3, 1939, Oklahoma A&M wrestled for the first time inside the arena, defeating Indiana by an 18-6 margin. On Feb. 3, 1989, the Oklahoma State Cowboys hosted the Hoosiers in a celebration of the 50-year anniversary of the first Gallagher Hall dual. The Cowboys defeated the Hoosiers, 28-6, in the 1989 dual.
The No. 8 Cowboy wrestling squad will celebrate 75 years of Gallagher-Iba Arena at Sunday's Bedlam dual, which starts at 2 p.m.
Former Oklahoma State wrestlers share their fondest memories of the facilities as they look back and celebrate 75 years of Gallagher-Iba Arena:
Paul Martin, 1975-78
“My first experience in Gallagher-Iba was in 1974 as an 18-year-old freshman wrestling my first match in Gallagher, and it happened to be Bedlam. I came from a small town in Iowa with approximately 5,000 people. Gallagher that night had more than 6,000 people in attendance. Toward the end of the dual, Jimmy Jackson and OU's heavyweight went off the mat into the stands, and I quickly understood what the term 'bedlam.' Fights broke out and Coach Chesbro instructed us to get into the locker room right away.
“In addition to the memorable sporting events over the years, the relationships built with other athletes, coaches, fans and friends as a result of time in Gallagher-Iba Arena have been a true blessing. I met my wife nearly 38 years ago after seeing her in Gallagher Hall.”
Lee Roy Smith, 1977-80
“The most treasure wrestling memory was when our team came from behind in the finals to win the Big 8 Championships in 1978 over No. 1-ranked Iowa State. The fan volume was so loud you had to cover your ears when our heavyweight, Jimmy Jackson, pinned his opponent. It was also special to me when Coach Henry Iba would stop by and say hello and watch us wrestle.”
Mike Sheets, 1981-84
“Most memorable moments in Gallagher-Iba is a three-way tie. The first was in 1978, when I watched Daryl Monasmith beat Frank Santana for the Big 8 title and Gallagher was so loud that light bulbs popped from the ceiling. Second was as a sophomore in 1982, OSU was a big underdog in Bedlam. That night, I beat Dave Schultz for the first time, and for the finale, Mitch Shelton pinned “Dr. Death” Steve Williams to win the dual. It may have been as loud as 1978. Third was as a senior in the dual against Iowa. John Smith was a true freshman. He was down by down by one with about three seconds left, and John head snapped Scott Trizzino and was awarded two with no time left on the clock. That made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.”
Mark Munoz, 1998-2001
“My most treasured memory of Gallagher-Iba Arena was my senior year in 2001 when we broke the attendance record 10,802. Not only was it Bedlam but also it was my last dual as a competitor. The dual started at heavyweight, which meant I was going to be the last match of the night…It was time to wrestle Waymon May from OU, who was ranked eighth in the country, and I was ranked second. I don't remember the match, but one thing I do remember was the feeling of relief and excitement when I got my hand raised in victory. That was a moment I will never forget.”