University of Minnesota Athletics
WR: Nagel Named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week
12/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
At No. 18 Arizona State on December 7, Nagel took to the mat after the Sun Devils cut Minnesota's lead to 13-10 with a major decision and a pin. Nagel extended the Golden Gophers' lead to 16-10 with an 8-2 decision against Patrick Pitsch at 165 pounds. Minnesota would capture the next two matches and claim a 22-16 win.
Last Sunday against No. 16 Northern Iowa, Nagel would once again lead the Golden Gophers to victory after a comeback by their opponent. UNI rallied from a 16-4 deficit to take a 17-16 lead with three matches to go, but 14th-ranked Nagel delivered a 6-3 upset of 10th-ranked Nick Baima. The win gave Minnesota a 19-17 lead and helped secure a 25-20 win.
Nagel is a three-year starter for the Golden Gophers and qualified for his first NCAA Championship a year ago. This season, he has a 13-2 record with his only losses coming by a total of three points against third-ranked Johny Hendricks of Oklahoma State.
Minnesota (2-1) returns to the mat on Dec. 29-30 at the Southern Scuffle in Greensboro, N.C.
