Could this be the end of an era?

For the past nine years, the Hawkeye wrestlers have soundly trounced Iowa State — in duals, in Iowa City, at Hilton and at the NCAA National Championships.

This weekend, though, with a score of 20-18, the No. 7 Cyclones came the closest since Feb. 21, 1988, to upsetting the No. 2 Hawks. Nine years ago, ISU also lost by two team points at home — back when Joe Montana was kicking butt in Super Bowls.

The last victory for Iowa State, by the way, was in January of 1987, more than a year earlier.

But the sun may be setting on the University of Iowa as the top dog of wrestling. Iowa State’s scare of the Hawks this weekend and Iowa’s first loss since 1994 at the hands of Oklahoma State in mid-January just may add up to the beginning of the end.

Such a possibility may shock those familiar with the world of wrestling. Iowa has dominated the sport for what seems like eons. Between ISU and Iowa alone, Iowa is up, 42-14-2, with this weekend’s squeaker win.

The ‘Clones would have to trounce the Hawks for almost 14 consecutive years just to balance the tally.

Of all other opponents — more than 90 of them over the years — Iowa has losing records against only five, and four of those contests consisted of two or fewer meets. Iowa has not met the fifth school, Oklahoma, since 1988.

But Iowa State came close to bettering their tally this weekend. Close enough, even, for Iowa Head Wrestling Coach Dan Gable to get a little nervous toward the end.

“Overall, for Iowa State, they wrestled a good meet,” Gable said. “They controlled us; they looked like a pretty good team. I’m just happy to get out of here with a win, and I’m usually not like that.

“It looked like Iowa State could’ve pulled off an upset, but it didn’t happen.”

Gable was especially surprised at the Cyclone wins at 142 pounds (David Maldonado) and 167 (Bart Horton), who dominated their opponents.

Gable said that he and his team aren’t used to any “holes” in the line-up, which makes the squad “incomplete.”

Gable insisted Sunday that he doesn’t have an entire team, and that he can’t start working on individuals for Nationals before he has the whole squad ready.

Though he says he still has work to do, he won’t lose any sleep because of the slim win over Iowa State.

“I’ll sleep better,” Gable said, “not as good as if I’d had a domination, but better than I would if I’d had a loss.”

Gable’s had plenty of time for rest recently. He underwent hip replacement surgery a few weeks ago and was flat on his back for a while.

He just recently began leading practices again and sitting mat-side at meets. He gets around on a pair of Hawk-black crutches.

“I’ve been trying to stay kinda low-key because of my health,” he said.

His recent surgery spawned a rumor of his retirement that has hovered over the wrestling world. In his 21st year at Iowa, he has 21 consecutive Big Ten titles and 14 NCAA championships under his belt, topped with a 355-21-5 career record.

Some say that this could be his last year of coaching, though both Gable and Iowa assistant coach Tom Brands said they “don’t know” if he’ll retire. Right now, it seems that Gable has more pressing things on his mind.

“I think I’m on the mend,” Gable said with a sly grin, “enough maybe for another title.”