In Reno, Nev. – a city known for its casinos – one ISU boxer hit the jackpot. But for two others, Lady Luck was not so kind.

Representing the Cyclones in the 156-pound weight class, Ryan Allan defeated Danny Marrero of Lock Haven University to become a two-time NCBA national champion. Although the win was a nearly unanimous decision – 4-1 on the judge’s scorecards – the senior in health and human performance still holds his rival in high regard.

“He was a real tough fighter. I had to be smart fighting him because he had good movement and was a strong counter puncher,” Allan said.

Throughout his tenure at Iowa State, Allan has produced a remarkable body of work. Along with his two national titles, his resume also includes being named a three-time All-American, as well as a taking third place at Nationals in 2005.

For Allan, his motivation to become the best stems from his relationship with head coach Terry Dowd.

“Coach has been like a second father for me,” Allan said. “As I trained the last five years, it was so I could win a title for Coach. I didn’t want to let him down.”

Like Allan, Nick Nelson, competing at 185 pounds, also hoped to end his boxing career on a positive note. Unlike his teammate, the senior in advertising fell just short of his ultimate goal, earning a third-place finish. Although he was tantalizingly close to become a champion, Nelson said he would not let his finish dilute the accomplishments he garnered throughout his boxing career at Iowa State.

“I was a two-time All-American, and I never had a fight stopped by the referee,” Nelson said. “I wanted to be a champion, but I am still proud of my career.”

When Mike Bal – the lone underclassman to qualify for Iowa State – looks back on his experience in Reno, he can’t help but wonder what could have been. Days before he was set to compete, the sophomore in pre-advertising came down with an illness. Although he did not feel at the top of his game, he still decided that he would box. Bal’s dream of winning a title was cut short when he got sick in the ring, causing the match to be stopped. As a result, Bal saw his first year in the sport end with a fifth-place finish.

Shortly after his season came to an abrupt conclusion, Bal quickly turned his attention to next year.

“All this year, I boxed nine pounds underweight. Next year, I want to drop from the 195 weight class down to 185,” Bal said. “I plan on training my mind to have quicker and smarter reactions in different situations that I may encounter.”

Because of the large quantities of departures from this year’s squad, Bal will be looked to in the upcoming season by Dowd.

“Next year’s team is mostly brand new, so I want Mike to accept a larger leadership role,” Dowd said.

“This year’s senior class worked quite a bit with the younger kids, and I expect Mike to carry out that tradition.”

With Bal returning, Iowa State should have a good foundation for next year’s team.