Five Memorable Hawkeyes

To coincide with our recognition of the 100th season of University of Iowa Hawkeye wrestling we are listing a group of "Memorable Hawkeyes". These may not be the most decorated wrestlers (Even though Mark Perry very well could be one of the top 10 Hawkeyes of all time), but each carved a unique niche in Hawkeye history. Everyone has their favorite. Please share your favorite Hawkeyes or thoughts about those memorable personalities that wore the black-and-gold.

*-Ray Brinzer (1993-95): Known for his outgoing personality and unorthodox style on and off the mat. A two-time All-American for the Hawkeyes after transferring from Oklahoma State.

*-Rico Chiaparelli (1983-87): A three-time All-American who won the 177-pound title in 1987 when he earned the Mike Howard Award as the team's most valuable wrestler.

*-Jesse Whitmer (1994-97): The Hawkeyes version of Rocky, who won a spot in Iowa fans' hearts when he won the 118-pound title as a senior at the UNI-Dome. Whitmer, seeded sixth, beat four seeded wrestlers en route to the title, with Gable proclaiming him the “strongest man in the world.”

*-Mark Perry (2004-08): Two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American, earning runner-up honors as a freshman. A pinner, who liked to roll around on the mat and the nephew of Oklahoma State Coach John Smith, gave Iowa fans a lot to cheer about. His 4-3 win over OSU's Johny Hendricks at Auburn Hills, Mich., for the 165-pound title in 2007 is a favorite memory of many Hawkeye fans.

*-Royce Alger (1985-88): A tough, hard-nosed wrestler from Lisbon. A two-time national champion and three-time All-American, Alger was a three-time Big Ten champion, earning Outstanding Wrestler honors at the Big Ten meet twice.