D1CW Video Vault - 1997 NCAA Finals Lincoln McIlravy vs Chris Bono

1997 NCAA Championship match at 150 lbs - In a battle of returning champions Iowa's Lincoln McIlravy downs Iowa State's Chris Bono in sudden victory to finish his career as a three-time national champion

[@user-cq6dg6ql9j]

I don’t think I have ever seen a boring Lincoln McIlravy match. Guy had some of the craziest come from behind victories in NCAA history. Not even an Iowa fan, but he has always been one of my favorite wrestlers to watch.

[@andizzyJD12]

I was in the UNI dome that night. I have never seen a crowd explode as hard as this one did when McIlravy hit the overtime take down. One of the best NCAA finals of all-time.

[@ingableshadow]

Talking about a battle!! Fun to watch even today!! I learn so much as a coach!!

[@JS45678]

10:53 I remember watching LIVE convinced Chris Bono finally had him….but McIlravy’s lightning quick step over to the far side literally saved him! Thank You for posting this epic NCAA FINALS match in its entirety! 🙏

[@ThanksStJoseph]

Mcilravy is probably my favorite American wrestler of all time. He was the whole package, athletic, conditioned and flippin SMART. But hats off to Bono, this was a clash of titans. Maybe I’m projecting too much from my historical nerdiness but….. these two remind me of their respective badass ancestors: Bono the ancient Romans, short, stout, lined up side by side coming straight at you with brute force. Mcliravy the highland Scotts that never let Rome conquer them.

[@MidlandsJJ]

Why has this match not been talked about more! Two hammers just fighting for every nail!

[@GasMan444]

Bono would have so many more accolades to his name if it wasn't for this man. Both phenomenal wrestlers and legends to the sport

[@binneybrush]

Pheenomenal match. Did Mcllravy get stalled in the last 30 to tie it up?

[@sanitary103]

yes indeed. that's a rarity. for Bono to get that stall against the favorite shows how well Chris wrestled despite losing.

[@mookie449]

Mat was way too small. Must have gone out of bounds 50 times.